The primary objective of contemporary social networks is to provide a space for people to interact and connect with others. It offers an opportunity to share aspects of our personal lives and connect with individuals who share similar interests.
However, what may initially appear as an ideal online environment for socializing can also present significant security and privacy concerns. Whether we are experienced users or newcomers to these social platforms, it is crucial to take certain precautions in most cases.
It is important to recognize that our regular use of these online services exposes us to more substantial risks than we might realize. These risks can compromise our virtual and personal security and privacy, affecting any of our accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and many others.
Less experienced users, particularly young individuals who are just entering the online world, may initially be unaware of the potential dangers they face. That’s why it is vital to discuss the various risks associated with regular use of social networks. Additionally, since most of us have accounts on multiple platforms, the risks increase exponentially.
Common risks we run on social media
The dangers and risks we are referring to can impact our social network accounts, our device data, and even our personal lives. Let’s explore the most common risks associated with this type of social platform.
1. Theft of private data: It is crucial to exercise caution regarding the information we share on social networks. Sharing certain private data can inadvertently make it public, making it susceptible to extraction by individuals with malicious intent.
2. Digital harassment: Comments and messages received on social networks can sometimes be hurtful or even illegal. In cases of digital harassment, it is advisable to report the incidents promptly.
3. Computer attacks: Malicious actors may exploit social platforms to launch attacks on the devices we use to access them. They may employ attention-grabbing links to exploit vulnerabilities in our devices.
4. Identity theft: In certain instances, malicious users may impersonate our identities on social networks to deceive our contacts, often without our initial awareness.
5. Public exposure: Content we publish on social networks can be extracted and used on other platforms or websites. This can be exemplified by digital leaks or viral videos that circulate globally.
6. Content plagiarism: Social platforms make it easy for others to plagiarize our photos and videos. Implementing control measures becomes necessary to prevent the unauthorized online publication of our original content.
7. Brand theft: Even businesses are not immune to threats on social media. Fraudulent accounts may impersonate our brand to deceive customers and extract money from them.
8. Misleading advertising: False advertisements may lure us into providing personal information in exchange for prizes or gifts that we will never receive. This exposes us to sharing private information with malicious actors.
It is essential to be aware of these risks and take proactive measures to protect ourselves when using social networks.
What to do if you have one of these problems
If we encounter any of these issues or abuses on social networks, it is advisable to take immediate action. One of the first steps we can take is to file a complaint with the appropriate authorities such as the National Police or the Civil Guard, depending on our jurisdiction. By doing so, we establish a record of the incident, which can be crucial if our personal data is used illegally or if our identity is impersonated. Reporting the incident helps to demonstrate that we have fallen victim to an online scam and strengthens our case for further investigation and potential legal action.