Advisory on Staying Safe on Social Media in this Digital Age:- we’re in an attention economy says Dr Ekrah
By Dr. Ekrah Ndungu
In today’s interconnected world, social media platforms have become an essential tool for personal expression, professional networking, and staying updated. In today’s world, it is absolutely important that you’re visible online. Visibility is credibility today. If you offer professional services be visible online with your names and authenticate your accounts with the blue tick to enhance credibility. You can’t be online on pseudo and expect to close clients. Leave positive reviews on friends posts, like their posts too to increase engagement.
However, while the benefits of social media visibility are undeniable, there are increasing concerns about personal security, privacy breaches, and cyber threats. As mentor, I want to offer some vital guidelines on how to balance the need to be visible online with ensuring your safety. I’ve over 100,000 followers on tiktok and over 15,000 followers on Facebook…when I monitor my inbox,I see how exposed particularly our young people can be. Social media is a networking space,it’s not a space to dish out your life 100 %. While speaking to leaders I like reminding leaders that your private life is like a nuclear code,it’s not for social attention and not everything is for public consumption. So that in case of cyber bullying which is very prominent in Kenya your life is spared. A clergy will advise you to maintain privacy to avoid informing monitoring spirits.
Use your platforms to show your expertise, to inspire and to mentor others. That’s my view in today’s world.
1. Understand the Risks
Social media is not just about sharing moments; it’s also a platform where sensitive personal data can be exploited. Cybercriminals often target individuals for identity theft, phishing attacks, or even stalking. Your digital footprint can be used to manipulate or deceive you in various ways. Be aware of the risks before posting any personal information. We have seen people getting tricked to death especially women. In today’s world when you visit someone’s social media you can tell their personality.
2. Review and Customize Privacy Settings
Many users leave their privacy settings on default, which can expose their data to a wide audience. Take time to understand and customize the privacy settings on each platform. Limit who can see your posts, if you are not a public figure..Limit who can message you, and who can access your personal details like location, birthday, and contact information. Make your profile viewable only to trusted people. However if you’re a leader or a public figure then everything you share is for public consumption since you’re a person of interest. In such instances only share what’s really for public interest and good for public consumption. Avoid sharing personal problems on social media. Your problems require personal attention not public attention. We’ve seen people getting trolled to depression,cyber bullying can lead to suicide,sometimes avoidable if you’re keen on sharing.
3. Think Before You Post
It’s essential to think twice before posting anything online. Personal details such as your home address, phone number, or upcoming travel plans can be misused by cybercriminals. Even seemingly harmless posts, like photos with your family or your child’s school name, could be leveraged in identity theft or scams. Always ask yourself, “Is this information necessary for public sharing?” Sometimes you read horrible stories of abduction,but people got this information from people’s social media.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Weak or reused passwords are one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Use complex, unique passwords for each of your social media accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to break into your accounts.
5. Be Wary of Scams and Phishing Attempts
Phishing attacks are common on social media, where malicious links are shared via messages or posts that seem to come from trusted sources. Be cautious about unsolicited messages or links that ask for sensitive information. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious contacts. I’ve personally been a victim of this,thank God I’ve IT skills I’d done a bit of programming & ICT courses in my young years I was able to counter thus fast before shameful posts got to my pages. This got me thinking of a CEO.
A leader without IT knowledge,my advice delegate your accounts to people who are tech knowledgeable.
6. Limit Geotagging
Geotagging, the practice of tagging your location in posts or photos, can be dangerous. While it might seem fun to share where you are in real time, it exposes your whereabouts to potential threats. Limit the use of geotags, especially when posting about your home, daily routine, or when you’re traveling….not unless you’re running a live, Social media is the new “media house”. Report your whereabouts as news. Eg Today I attended ABC conference learnt ABCD…On the same note also be careful on who you pose for photos with just like car pooling with strangers. It can you in problems not unless you’re a celebrity and you need to bond with your fans.
7. Monitor Your Digital Footprint
Regularly search for your name and information online to see what’s publicly available. Set up alerts for your name or other personal identifiers using tools like Google Alerts, which will notify you if new content associated with your name appears on the web. In today’s world people search you online before they meet you. Keep your online CV attractive and clean where possible.
8. Educate Yourself and Your Family
It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest security threats and trends on social media. Educate your family, especially younger members, about the importance of maintaining privacy and recognizing potential dangers online. Children and teens can be particularly vulnerable to online predators or cyberbullying.
9. Separate Personal and Professional Profiles
If possible, keep your personal and professional social media accounts separate. This helps maintain a clear boundary between your private life and work-related matters, reducing the chances of unwelcome attention or misuse of professional information for personal gain.
10. Be Skeptical of Third-Party Apps
Many social media platforms allow you to link third-party apps and services. These apps can sometimes collect more data than necessary or have weak security measures. Be selective about which apps you allow to connect to your accounts, and regularly review the permissions you’ve granted them.
Conclusion:
While visibility on social media is often necessary for personal and professional growth, it’s crucial to approach it with caution. By understanding the risks and implementing the right security measures, you can stay safe while still enjoying the benefits of being online. Remember, your privacy and safety should always be a priority.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and keep your digital life secure…speak to your children about often since they’re digital natives. Everyone’s safety is important.
Dr. Ekrah Ndungu
Chairperson KENAPCO
Kenya National Association of Private Colleges
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