When you think about your business’ social media, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? It’s probably not security – but it should be. Business social media accounts are becoming a prime target for cyber criminals, who are experts in finding security weaknesses they can exploit to gain access. This could result in data being stolen, your reputation being damaged, followers being scammed, or … well you get the idea (it’s not good).
Obviously, this is pretty concerning, but there’s no need to panic. Our tech experts have put together 10 practical and easy to implement tips so you can stay secure and avoid reputational damage. Ready to use your accounts with confidence? Keep reading.
1. Use Strong Passwords
If there’s one thing you need to know, it’s that weak passwords are an open invitation for cyber criminals to steal your accounts. If your password is super simple to guess (e.g., your business name followed by “2023”), or if you’ve reused it across accounts and platforms, there’s a high chance someone could guess it and access your social media accounts.
Strong, unique passwords are the first line of defence against cyber threats, and if it’s time for an upgrade they should include:
- At least 12 characters.
- Uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Numbers.
- Special characters.
Remember: the longer and more complex your password, the harder it is for hackers to break through.
If you’re worried about remembering your new passwords, a password manager is going to be your best friend. Unlike a sticky note stuck to your desk, this tool can securely store passwords and can even streamline the process by generating new passwords that are nearly impossible to crack.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the next layer of protection, requiring you to verify your identity twice with a password and an additional step. We recommend using an authentication app for the second step rather than relying on SMS or email codes, which can be intercepted. While it might seem like a hassle at first, the added security far outweighs the minor inconvenience.
This measure ensures that even if someone guesses or steals your password, they can’t access your account without the second authentication factor. Most social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, support 2FA, and enabling it only takes a few minutes.
3. Avoid Suspicious Links – Phishing Scams Are Everywhere
“Click here to claim your free iPhone!” Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. Even the most convincing-looking message can be a trap, so when in doubt, don’t click.
Phishing scams often use fake links, tricking users into entering login details which hackers can then use to access accounts. You should always be cautious with links sent via email, direct messages, or even comments on your posts. For emails, you can hover over links to preview the destination before clicking, and you should verify the sender’s identity if something feels off.
It’s also important to train your team so they can recognise phishing attempts, and make it a standard practice to report suspicious messages to your IT department or managed service provider.
4. Limit Admin Access
If every member of your team has full control of your social media accounts, it’s time for a change. Limiting admin access reduces the risk of accidental changes, unauthorised actions, or security breaches caused by compromised accounts.
Platforms like Facebook Business Manager allow you to assign roles with varying levels of permissions, ensuring that only trusted team members have admin privileges. For example, your marketing intern might only need access to schedule posts, while your social media manager handles more sensitive tasks like advertising and analytics.
Regularly review who has access to your accounts, and immediately revoke permissions for former employees or contractors. Keeping a tight grip on admin access is an easy way to minimise security risks and ensure that your social media accounts remain in safe hands.
5. Vet Third-Party Apps
Social media management tools and analytics apps can be lifesavers, but they also pose a risk if you’re not careful. When you connect a third-party app to your social media accounts, you’re granting it access to your data – and not all apps are trustworthy. Before authorising an app, research its reputation and reviews. Stick to well-known tools with a history of secure practices.
You should regularly audit connected apps by checking your account settings. Remove any you no longer use or don’t recognise. By staying vigilant, you can enjoy the convenience of third-party tools without putting your accounts at risk.
6. Separate Personal and Business Accounts
Combining personal and business social media accounts might seem convenient, but it’s a risky move. If your personal account gets hacked, your business account could be next. To avoid this, create dedicated accounts for managing your business’ social media and ensure that all employees follow the same rule. Ensure you keep personal and business passwords distinct, and don’t share credentials across accounts.
7. Monitor Account Activity
Hackers often leave subtle traces before causing major damage. Regularly monitoring your account activity can help you catch suspicious behaviour early, like unfamiliar logins, unexpected posts, or messages you didn’t send.
Most platforms provide security dashboards where you can review active sessions and login history. If you notice any activity that doesn’t look right, log out of all devices and change your password immediately. You should also set up notifications for login attempts from new devices or locations. The sooner you’re aware of a potential breach, the faster you can respond and minimise damage.
8. Train Your Team
Educating your team on best practices can prevent accidental breaches caused by human error. Host training sessions covering topics like spotting phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and avoiding risky behaviour online. If you need help with this, our Cyber Awareness Training is an ideal solution.
Another important step is creating a cyber security policy outlining expectations for team members who have access to your social media accounts. This ensures everyone’s on the same page, and reduces the likelihood of mistakes that could compromise your security.
9. Backup Your Data
If your account does get hacked, you could end up with lost posts, followers, and valuable data. Given this, it’s essential to spend time backing up your accounts to ensure recovery is quick and hassle free. Most platforms let you download your data, which normally includes posts and messages, as well as valuable analytics, so this is pretty easy to do. Just make sure you schedule regular backups so that you’re never caught out and your content is always secure.
10. Partner with a Managed Services Provider
Let’s face it – cyber security can be overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities. Partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) or Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) like Ever Nimble can take the pressure off.
We can monitor your social media accounts, implement advanced security measures, and respond to threats in real time. With our experts on your side, you’ll get leading tools and guidance to keep your accounts safe.
How We Can Help You Stay Safe, Secure, and Social
As you can see, keeping your social media accounts secure is probably a lot less complicated than you thought. Our final (extra) tip? Don’t wait until it’s too late and your social media is breached. Get in touch with our team today, and we can help you protect your company’s accounts.
