With the rise of clever cybersecurity threats, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your social media accounts from scammers. We all know someone who has fallen victim to one of the very convincing emails or messenger messages from “Meta” or “Instagram” telling you that you’ve violated copyright rules. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from outside threats is by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA) for both your personal and business accounts. We’re about to drop step-by-step instructions for enabling it on the most popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X. Let’s dive in!

The Dangers of Hacked Social Media Accounts:

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of securing your accounts, let’s take a moment to understand the potential consequences of a hacked social media account. When these scammers gain access to your profile, they can:

1. Post harmful content: Hackers may post inappropriate or offensive material, damaging your brand’s reputation.
2. Mislead your followers: They can impersonate you and deceive your followers with false information or phishing links.
3. Theft of sensitive information: Personal and business data can be stolen, leading to identity theft or financial loss.
4. Run ads from your account: Scammers can take over your ad accounts and max out your credit cards on promoting dodgy products that will get your account banned.
5. Lose your social accounts for good: These scammers often replace all of your information with theirs, making it incredibly difficult to get all of those years worth of hard work, connections and reputation back.

Now, let’s empower you to protect your social media accounts with 2FA.

Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication:

Instagram:

• Go to your profile.
• Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
• Select “Settings and privacy” > “Accounts Centre” > “Password and security.”
• Tap “Two-factor authentication, then choose either “Text Message” or “Authentication App” for verification and follow the on-screen instructions.

Facebook:

• Go to your profile.
• Go to your “Security and login” settings.
• Select “See more in Accounts Centre” > “Password and security.”
• Tap “Two-factor authentication, then choose either “Text Message” or “Authentication App” for verification and follow the on-screen instructions.

TikTok:

• Go to your profile.
• Tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
• Select “Settings and privacy” > “Security” > “2-step verification.”
• Select your preferred method and tap “Turn on.”

LinkedIn:

• Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Select “Settings & Privacy” > “Sign in & security” > “Two-step verification.”
• Tap “Set up” and follow the on-screen instructions.

YouTube:

• Click your profile picture in the top right corner.
• Select “Settings” > on the left-hand side menu, select “Advanced settings.”
• Scroll down to the “Account Information” section and click on “Add or manage your 2-step verification.”
• Click on “Get started” and follow the on-screen instructions.

X:

• Navigate to your account settings.
• Look for “Security” or “Authentication.”
• Follow the provided instructions to enable 2FA.

Additional Cybersecurity Tips:

• Regularly Update Passwords: Change your passwords periodically and use strong, unique ones for each account. We use LastPass, it’s a life saver!
• Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for login credentials. Whatever you don’t click the link!
• Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on unusual activity, such as unrecognized logins or posts.
• Educate Your Team: If you have employees managing social media, ensure they are trained in cybersecurity best practices.

Protecting your business on social media is non-negotiable. Two-factor authentication is your shield against the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity threats. Follow the steps outlined for each platform, stay vigilant, and make cybersecurity a top priority. Your online presence and reputation depend on it. Stay safe, and happy posting! 💪🔒

XOXO

OMD SQUAD