Social Media Security

The Basics

Introduction
Online security affects everyone. Whether you are using a phone, tablet, laptop, or social media account, the choices you make can either protect your privacy or put you at risk. Hackers and scammers rely on people overlooking simple steps, so being aware of the basics makes a huge difference.

The Basics addresses core areas of online safety. Each one is explained in detail giving you practical advice you can use every day to protect yourself, devices and accounts:

Devices – Settings and updates for your phone, tablet, or computer

Accounts – Creating safe profiles and limiting personal information

Passwords – Why they matter and how to manage them properly

Apps – Using official sources and avoiding dangerous downloads

Content – Thinking before you post and protecting what you share

Before we get into these core topics, we need to look at a slight change in mindset for most people, and this is the concept of Cyber Hygiene.

In part, this involves what technology we use and how we use it. Let’s dive in…

What Is Cyber Hygiene and Why Does It Matter?

SOCMESEC - Social Media Security

We are all familiar with the idea of personal hygiene — brushing your teeth, washing your hands, keeping things clean to stay healthy. It is a routine. You do not need to think about it much because it has become a habit.

Cyber hygiene works in much the same way. It is a set of small, regular actions that help keep your digital life safe, clean and healthy. You might not see the immediate effects every day, but much like washing your hands, these habits can help stop serious problems before they start.

In a world where so much of our life is lived online, cyber hygiene is not just for experts or businesses. It is something everyone needs — and it starts with a few simple steps.

What does cyber hygiene actually mean?

At its core, cyber hygiene means developing regular routines that reduce risk when using technology. That includes your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV or even your online accounts and apps. The goal is to prevent things from going wrong and make sure your information stays private and secure.

Some examples of good cyber hygiene include:

  • Keeping your devices and apps updated

  • Using strong, unique passwords for every account

  • Turning on two-factor authentication where possible

  • Being cautious about what you click, download or share

  • Backing up important files

  • Using trusted networks and avoiding unknown public Wi-Fi

Just as neglecting your physical health can lead to illness, neglecting cyber hygiene increases the chance of things going wrong. That might mean losing access to your accounts, having personal data stolen or being scammed.

Why it matters — even if you think you’re not a target

One of the most common myths is that cyber criminals only go after big companies or wealthy people. The truth is the opposite. Most online attacks are opportunistic, not targeted. Criminals are looking for easy wins — outdated software, reused passwords, weak security settings, or people who click links without checking.

If your device is unlocked, your accounts are reused and your updates are months behind, you become a very easy target. But with some regular habits, you can make yourself much harder to reach.

Think of it like leaving a bicycle outside. If it has no lock and it is in a quiet alley, someone might take it. But if it’s locked, checked regularly, and well-maintained, it is far less likely to disappear.

 

Practical Tips

You don’t need to be a computer genius or work at NASA to practise good cyber hygiene. It’s all about forming a handful of reliable habits. Getting good at a few basic things will be a good sound foundation:

Many of these only take a minute or two. But when you do them regularly, they build up a strong line of defence around your digital life.

Cyber hygiene at home and work

These habits are just as important in your personal life as they are in the workplace. Whether you’re managing your own business, working from home, or helping a family member with their devices, good cyber hygiene applies everywhere.

For families, this also means teaching children to build healthy digital habits early. For example, not clicking unknown links, understanding what phishing looks like, and being thoughtful about what they post or share.

You don’t have to be an expert — just consistent

The point of cyber hygiene is not to become a security expert. It is about setting a standard for yourself — just like brushing your teeth or locking your front door. These are small, repeatable actions that prevent much larger problems later on.

Security is not something you do once and forget about. It’s something you maintain, gradually, over time. The good news is that with the right habits in place, it gets easier and more natural every day.