1. Create strong, unique passwords for all social media accounts and enable two-factor authentication. 2. Review security settings and tips from platforms and experts to protect accounts. 3. Be cautious of automatic geotagging, links, and peer pressure to share private information or do anything uncomfortable.

1. Do’s and Don'ts for Students on
Social Media?

2. 1. Create Strong Passwords
The longer your password is, the better it will be. My facebook account was
hacked one time. And it only took that one time to drill into me the importance
of using strong passwords.
To protect your passwords, use sites like www.agilebits.com/onepassword and
make sure your passwords utilise letters, numbers and characters.
2. Use Different Passwords for All Your Social Media Accounts
I know it can be hard to remember different passwords but it is important to
secure yourself completely. If one of your accounts gets hacked, you don’t want
the hacker to then have access to any of your other accounts.
Do’s and Don’t’s for Students on Social Media
3. Read Security Tips
Go through the security tips and instructions provided by the social media
platforms you use. Maybe dig a little deeper and find out what security
professionals and other reputable sources have to say.

3. 4. Set Up Security Answers
This option is available on most social media platforms. They ask you things like the
name of your first pet, or the birth town of one of your parents. Even if it takes a little
longer, complete this step to add a layer of protection.
5. Use HTTPS and/or Anonymity Networks
HTTPS is used to secure computer network communications. Whenever you can, you
should use HTTPS to connect to your social media sites. This is especially important if
you are using a public hotspot.
You could Use anonymity networks like Tor (The Onion Router) or virtual private
network (VPN) on public Wi-Fi connections as well. Public hotspots are indeed not as
secure as we would think. Plus, social media sites don’t have secure logins, which
means that your password can be stolen. So if you are using public Wi-Fi, use secure
networks like the ones mentioned above.
6. Always Check Anything Sent to You/ Click Links With Caution
By this is mean make sure to verify links, attachments, downloads, emails and such.
Recall the statistic mentioned above. Sometimes even your friends or family may
unwittingly send you a malicious link or attachment. It may also be the case that their
accounts have been hacked.
As for clicking with caution, be aware of language or content that sounds suspicious,
like something your friend is unlikely to post.

4. 7. Protect Your Computer
It is best to have the latest security software and operating system to protect yourself
from viruses, malware, and other online threats.
8. Be Careful About Auto-GeoTagging
Geotagging is when your geographical location is tagged to something digital, such as
a post, photo or video. In some cases, geotagging is done automatically, like when you
post a picture using your smartphone. Your location may automatically be recorded
in the meta-data of the photo.
Other times, you may geotag yourself. You’re probably familiar with social media
features like “check-in” or “add location.” If you have used this feature, then you have
geotagged your location. Don’t allow your device to automatically turn on such
features for your “convenience”. A lot of criminal activity takes place due to
geotagging.
9. Do Not Succumb to Doing Something You’re Not Comfortable With
Please don’t let peer pressure or what other people are doing convince you to do
something you are not comfortable with. One may not fully understand the
consequences at the time. There are so many horrific stories related to this point that
I won’t get into right now. But it is very important to stand up for yourself, and say no
to anything you don’t feel is not right. In fact, if said activity is truly harmful, you
should either report it or advise against it strongly. I would suggest reporting it or
telling someone.

5. The Risks
While social media has allowed us to connect with people and share experiences,
brining us closer together, we must not forget the risks that come with it.
1. Bullying
2. Cyber-stalking
3. Access to age-inappropriate content.
4. Online grooming and child abuse.
5. Disclosure of private information by either yourself or friends/contacts
6. Violent, sexual, extremist or racist comments, or offensive activities and hateful
attitudes.
7. Harassment and coaxing one to change their basic beliefs or ideologies, or
adopt an extremist stance.
8. People hacking into your account or page.
9. Viruses or spyware contained within message attachments or photographs.
10. emails allegedly from social networking sites, but actually encouraging you to
visit fraudulent or inappropriate websites.
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