Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It enables us to connect with friends, family, and even conduct business. With the increasing use of Social Media platforms, the importance of securing your accounts cannot be overstated.

A recent referral to us from an insurance company involved a business owner who’s Facebook had been hacked. At first this might seem trivial. However, Facebook (or Meta) Ad accounts are linked to a personal account. By gaining access to the business owners Facebook Account the hacker had gained access to the Facebook Ad’s account and free reign to put out ads that could destroy the businesses reputation AND cost them money.

In this case the hacker was mischievous more than malicious. Relatively little money was spent and damage caused. However it does serve as a warning. But what can you do to protect your social media accounts?

Starting with a strong, unique password is good. However it’s not enough on it’s own. And if you’re suffering from Password Exhaustion we’ve got a whole lot more advice to help you!

One of the most effective ways is by enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on ALL of your social media accounts. If you don’t want to do them all, priorities the one’s where if you have ad accounts linked. In this article, we will explore why 2FA is crucial and provide step-by-step instructions on how to set it up on popular platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Why 2FA Matters:

Firstly, it’s essential to understand why 2FA is so vital. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires a second form of verification in addition to your password. This means that even if hackers manage to obtain your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second authentication step.

When it comes to social media accounts, the stakes are even higher. This is especially true if you have ad accounts linked to them. If a hacker gains access to your social media account, they can potentially access your ad accounts as well. Within these ad accounts, sensitive information such as credit card details might be stored. Enabling 2FA acts as a robust defense mechanism, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential financial loss.

Setting Up 2FA on Facebook

1. Go to Settings & Privacy: Click on the downward arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy.”
2. Select Security and Login: From the left-hand menu, choose “Security and Login.”
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Under the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, click on “Use two-factor authentication” to set it up. You can choose between text message (SMS) codes, authentication apps, or recovery codes.

Setting Up 2FA on LinkedIn

1. Go to Your Settings & Privacy: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings & Privacy.”
2. Select Sign in & Security: From the left-hand menu, click on “Account” and then “Sign in & Security.”
3. Turn on Two-Step Verification: Under the “Two-Step Verification” section, click on “Turn on” and follow the prompts to set it up using your phone number or an authentication app.

Setting Up 2FA on Instagram

1. Go to Your Profile: Tap on your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
2. Access Settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, then select “Settings.”
3. Security: Scroll down and select “Security.”
4. Two-Factor Authentication: Under the “Login Security” section, tap on “Two-Factor Authentication.” Follow the prompts to set it up using your phone number.

Enabling Two-Factor Authentication on your social media accounts is a simple yet effective way to enhance your online security. It’s especially important when sensitive information like credit card details are involved. By taking this step, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and potential financial loss. This provides you with peace of mind while navigating the digital landscape.

Stay safe online!