How to use Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram and Twitter safely!

Social networks offer users new opportunities to stay in touch with friends and acquaintances and exchange information. However, the dangers are quickly underestimated.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has useful tips to make using social networks safer!

Privacy and data protection are no longer the only topics that are controversially discussed in connection with social networks.

(IT) criminals have also recognized the popularity of these platforms as an opportunity and are shamelessly exploiting the good faith of many users. In this topic you will find out what dangers lurk in social networks.

Facebook

Use two-factor authentication

Activate via “ Settings > Security and login > Use two-factor authentication ”
Can be used with:

• SMS on smartphone
• USB security key
• Authentication apps like Google Authenticator (Android / IOS)
• printed recovery code

For Facebook and similar applications, you should create an additional email address to log in.

The advantages:

• Your main address will be spared from messages sent to you by the platforms and their possible advertising partners.
• You also protect your main email address should cybercriminals hijack your account

Avoid registering via Facebook (“single sign on”)

• A hacked Facebook account can also take over other websites if login via Facebook is allowed.
• Use “ Settings > Apps and Websites ” to check where you have registered on Facebook and delete it there if necessary.

Healthy mistrust

• Check the email address of the email sender. The sender name can be manipulated, but the email address cannot.
• Only open attachments if you are sure the sender is authentic.
• Do not click on links in emails.
• Be suspicious if the content of the message seems strange to you and does not match the sender.

Protect yourself from fake contacts

• In the privacy settings, change “How you are found and contacted” to “Friends”.

Set up hacker alert

• You should activate all points under “ Settings > Security and login > Advanced security settings > Receive login warnings for logins from unknown devices
• This way, Facebook will warn you if strangers try to gain access to your account.

Check device list

• Check under Settings > Security and login > Where you're currently logged in to make sure all of the devices listed there are yours.
• Additionally, have Facebook check to see if your account has been compromised by visiting www.facebook.com/hacked.

History and Marks

• You can choose who can post to your timeline and who can tag you in photos under Settings > Timeline and Tags
• This will prevent strangers from associating you with unpleasant content

Don't share contacts

• Prevent Facebook from linking your smartphone's contacts to the social network.
• Therefore, deactivate the contact settings in the settings of Facebook Messenger and the Facebook app.

Facial recognition under control

• Check whether facial recognition, which is deactivated by default due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is actually switched off.
• Under “ Settings > Face Detection ” you can determine whether the function is switched off

Twitter

Use two-factor authentication (SMS code)

• Click your profile photo at the top of the page and select Settings & Privacy > Account .
• At the “ Security” , tick “ Set up registration confirmation” .
• When entering your mobile phone number, you must put the German country code +49 in front of it (e.g. +491761234567).
• If you lose your smartphone, you can create a one-time password, which you should then keep safe.

Check app access permissions

• You should deny access to any external services that you do not use regularly.
• View the permissions under “ Settings and privacy > Apps and devices

Secure password reset

• In order to be able to reset the password, the stored email address and/or telephone number will be requested.
• Under “ Settings and data protection > Account ” under “ Security activate “ Confirmation of password reset

Check device access to account

• The devices from which the account was accessed can be viewed under “ Settings and privacy > Apps and devices
• If necessary, deregister the devices.

Instagram

Two-factor authentication (SMS code, authentication app)

under “ Settings > Privacy and security > Two-factor authentication ”.

Review account activity

Under “ Settings > Privacy and Security > Account Data ” activities, password changes, email addresses, etc. can be viewed and deleted if necessary.

Check authorized apps

The apps with access to the account can be viewed and deleted if necessary under “ Settings > Privacy and security > Authorized apps

Whatsapp

Two-factor authentication (PIN)

under “Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification” .

Turn on security notifications

• If a known contact's SIM card is stolen and used in another smartphone, the attacker can impersonate the known contact. A security warning is displayed that the
• The contact's security key has changed. If this is the case, you should check the authenticity of the contact.
• under “Settings > Account > Security > Show security notifications” .
• Check encryption by opening the chat and tapping the contact's name. If there is a closed lock behind the “Encryption” item, encryption is active.