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Security on Social Media & Messaging
Social media platforms and messenger services offer many advantages – but they also pose risks to your privacy. Unclear identities, lack of control over content, and targeted data collection pose a real threat. Learn here how to effectively protect your personal data professionally and privately.
Key points:
Communicate securely on social networks and messenger services: Use strong passwords, activate multi-factor authentication, and restrict the visibility of your profiles and personal information.
Recognize and avoid typical risks: Watch out for phishing messages, fake sweepstakes, identity theft, and deepfakes – especially in direct messages and public comments.
Post consciously – privately and professionally: Avoid sensitive content, professional details, and rash statements. Separate private and professional use consistently, even with messenger services.
10 Possible Dangers and How You Can Protect Yourself
Social networks are part of everyday life for many people. But where posts, likes, and networking dominate, numerous risks lurk: for your personal data, your privacy, and your digital reputation. Anyone who is aware of these dangers can significantly reduce them through targeted protective measures.
- Phishing and Fake Messages
Criminals send fake messages via social media – often from hacked or replicated profiles. Popular examples include alleged sweepstakes, security warnings, or offers with malicious links. The number of fake job offers as a phishing basis is also rising sharply. The goal is usually to obtain personal data or spread malware.
How to protect yourself: Be especially careful with unexpected or unusually worded messages, even if they appear to come from friends. Pay attention to spelling mistakes, suspicious links, and conspicuously urgent wording. Never click on links without thinking. Also, use privacy settings to limit your visibility and thus reduce the area of attack. - Identity Theft
Anyone who publishes a lot of information about themselves online makes it possible for third parties to create a realistic fake profile. Criminals copy photos, names, and personal content to impersonate you, for example, to deceive your contacts or carry out targeted phishing attacks.
How to protect yourself: Only publish as much personal data as necessary. In particular, avoid combinations of place of residence, employer, date of birth, and photos. For example, set up a Google Alert with your name to be automatically notified by email when new content about you appears online. Regularly research using search engines to identify any external profiles or content with your identity. - Deepfakes and AI-Based Fraud Attempts
Artificial intelligence makes it possible to fake deceptively real images, videos, or voice messages. Fraudsters are increasingly using this to gain trust, for example through fake voice messages from alleged acquaintances or celebrities asking for money or personal information.
How to protect yourself: Be vigilant to content that seems "too real" or triggers strong emotions. Do not share sensitive data if you are not absolutely sure of the authenticity of the sender. Regularly inform yourself about current scams, for example through reports from official consumer portals or data protection authorities. - Fake Sweepstakes and Fraudulent Influencer Accounts
Criminals pose as well-known brands or influencers on social media. They lure you with raffles or exclusive offers but demand personal information in return or redirect you to unsafe sites.
How to protect yourself: Check whether it is a verified profile and question the seriousness of the offer. Reputable providers do not request confidential data such as ID photos, passwords, or bank details via social networks. Refrain from participating in sweepstakes if the origin or purpose is unclear.
- Reputation Damage and Cyberbullying
Careless posts, comments, or photos can quickly be shared publicly and taken out of context. This can become particularly problematic when there are targeted attempts to expose a person, whether through ridicule, defamation, or repeated harassment.
How to protect yourself: Before each publication, consider whether the content would still remain appropriate tomorrow or whether it could be misunderstood in another context. Use the platform's functions to review, restrict, or delete older posts. In case of bullying: document content and, if necessary, report it or consider legal action. - Unsecure Messenger Communication
Even messengers with end-to-end encryption are not automatically secure. Malware can tap chats as soon as they appear on the screen. There is also the risk of unintentionally passing on sensitive information to third parties, for example in group chats or by forwarding content.
How to protect yourself: Avoid sending confidential data such as passwords, addresses, or bank details via messenger services, especially in open or unsecured groups. Regularly install updates and be sure not to open unknown attachments or links. - Technical Vulnerabilities & Missing Updates
Outdated software, unprotected Wi-Fi connections, or unsecured apps are common gateways for attackers. Security is often neglected, especially on smartphones, which are the central social media access point for many.
How to protect yourself: Always keep your devices, apps, and operating systems up to date. Activate automatic updates and use tracking blockers as well as reputable antivirus programs. This reduces the likelihood of security vulnerabilities being exploited. - Insufficient Password Security
Many users use simple or identical passwords for multiple platforms. This makes it easier for attackers to gain access, especially in so-called credential stuffing attacks, where stolen credentials are automatically tested.
How to protect yourself: Use a strong, individual password with at least twelve characters for each account and activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) if possible. A password manager helps to create and manage secure passwords.
- Lack of Clarity of Own Data
Many people do not know what information about them is publicly available or is collected by platforms and third parties. This can lead to unwanted data leaks, profiling, or misuse.
How to protect yourself: Use the data protection functions of the platforms to specifically restrict the visibility of your data. Regularly exercise your GDPR rights: You can request information about stored data, have incorrect information corrected, or request the deletion of your data. - Lack of Media Literacy & Image Rights Violations
Unintentional data protection violations can occur, especially with photos, videos, or posts with other people – for example, if you publish or distribute content without consent.
How to protect yourself: Only publish content for which you have the express consent of all people depicted. Pay attention to image rights, especially with group photos or in professional contexts. Also, check the origin of content before sharing it – this way you avoid unconsciously spreading fake news.
Social Media in a Professional Context
Social networks are also playing an increasingly important role in professional life – be it for self-promotion on business platforms like LinkedIn or as part of corporate communications. Correct handling of personal data is crucial, especially in the professional environment:
- Anyone who publicly states where they work, which projects they supervise, or what position they hold may become a target for social engineering or identity theft. Therefore, pay particular attention to what information you share and who can see it.
- Content such as photos from company parties, statements about superiors, or political comments can – intentionally or unintentionally – affect your professional reputation.
- Therefore: Clearly separate professional and private communication, regularly check your privacy settings, and adhere to any social media guidelines of your employer.
Tip: Even on professionally oriented platforms like XING or LinkedIn, you should not disclose more information than absolutely necessary – especially not if your profile is publicly accessible.
Conclusion: More Data Protection on Social Media and in Messengers
Social media and messengers offer many advantages, but they also harbor risks to data protection and privacy that should not be neglected. Those who are aware of the dangers can significantly increase security with strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, the correct data protection settings, and regular updates. It is also important to share sensitive content carefully and to clearly separate private and professional use. With these measures, threats can be significantly reduced, and social networks can be used more securely.
Frequently Asked Questions about Data Protection on Social Media and in Messengers
Show content of Who is responsible for protecting my data on social media?
The responsibility for protecting your data on social media is a shared task. You yourself bear a large part of the responsibility by consciously deciding what information you share and which data protection settings you choose. At the same time, social media providers have a legal obligation to protect your data and comply with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Show content of Who has access to my personal data on social networks?
Various parties can access your personal data on social networks:
- Other users: Depending on your privacy settings, friends, followers, or even the public can see posts, photos, and profile information.
- The platform operators: The companies that operate the social networks have comprehensive access to all data that you upload or that is generated through your use (e.g., likes, comments, pages visited).
- Third-party providers: If you use apps, games, or services from third-party providers via social media, they can also access certain data if you grant them permission.
- Advertisers: They generally do not have direct access to your raw data. However, the platforms use your data to display targeted advertising based on interests and behavior.
- Authorities: Under certain legal conditions (e.g., with a court order during investigations), authorities can request the release of user data from the platform operators.
Show content of What exactly is "personal data" in the context of social media?
Personal data is any information relating to you as an identified or identifiable person. In the context of social media, this includes:
- Identification data: name, date of birth, email address, telephone number, username, and profile picture
- Communication data: private messages, comments, posts, likes, and shares
- Contact details: friend lists and followers
- Location data: GPS data if you share your location or use location-based services
- Biometric data: photos and videos that allow faces to be recognized
- Usage behavior: what content you view, how long you are online, and which ads you click on.
Show content of What are the biggest data protection risks when using social media?
The use of social media entails several data protection risks:
- Data leaks and hacker attacks: Personal data can be stolen and published through cyberattacks on platforms.
- Identity theft: Criminals could use information from your profile to assume a false identity.
- Targeted advertising and profiling: Your data is used to create detailed profiles about you, which can lead to highly personalized advertising.
- Cyberbullying and stalking: Too much personal information can be misused by malicious individuals for harassment or stalking.
- Phishing and social engineering: Criminals use your information to create convincing phishing emails or messages that entice you to divulge sensitive data.
- Spread of malware: Your device can be infected with viruses or other malware via malicious links in posts or messages.
- Damage to reputation: Ill-considered posts or embarrassing content can damage your reputation in the long term.
Show content of When is the transfer of my data to third parties on social media permitted?
The transfer of your data to third parties on social media is only permitted under certain conditions:
- With your express consent: This is the most common reason. When you grant an app or service access to your data, you give your consent.
- If it is necessary for the fulfillment of a contract: If the use of a service requires the transfer of your data.
- Due to a legal obligation: If the platform is legally obliged to disclose data to authorities.
- Due to legitimate interests: If the company has a legitimate interest in data processing and your interests or fundamental rights do not outweigh it.
Show content of Why should I be careful when using social media, even if I have nothing to hide?
The assumption "I have nothing to hide" is misleading:
- Unpredictable future use: Data that seems harmless today could become problematic in the future in another context or be used against you.
- Misinterpretation of data: Algorithms can misinterpret your data or draw inaccurate conclusions about you.
- Target for criminals: Even seemingly unimportant information can be used by cybercriminals to create a more complete picture of you and launch more targeted attacks (e.g., phishing or social engineering).
- Control over your identity: It's not just about what you want to hide, but about what you want to share and how your digital identity is perceived.
- Sale and transfer to third parties: Your data can be passed on to countless third parties without your knowledge and used for purposes you never intended.
- Influence and manipulation: The collection of data makes it possible to influence you in a targeted manner through personalized content and advertising.
Show content of How do I recognize if a link or message on social networks could be harmful?
Be vigilant and watch out for the following signs:
- Unexpected or unusual messages: Be suspicious of messages from unknown senders or from friends that are unusually worded or seem very urgent.
- Spelling and grammar errors: Serious senders rarely make obvious mistakes.
- Tempting offers or threats: Unrealistic winnings, free offers, or urgent warnings are often fraudulent.
- Shortened URLs: Hover your mouse over the link (do not click!) to see the full URL in the status bar of your browser. If the target URL does not match your expectation, caution is advised.
- Missing HTTPS encryption: If you are redirected to a website, check whether the URL starts with "https://" and a lock symbol is visible in the address bar.
- Unusual login fields: Only enter your login details on the official login pages of the platforms (check the URL carefully!).
- File downloads without context: Be careful with requests to download files that you did not expect.
Show content of How do I recognize fake news?
To identify fake news, be critical and pay attention to the following:
- Language & emotions: Alarming, exaggerated, or purely emotional wording are warning signs.
- Check images: Use reverse image search (e.g., Google Images) to see if photos have been taken out of context or manipulated.
- Check sources: Who is behind the message? Is the source reputable and trustworthy? Are facts substantiated?
- Skepticism in case of uncertainties: If something sounds "too good" or "too shocking," distrust is appropriate. Be especially careful with deepfakes, which can appear deceptively real.
Stay vigilant!
Show content of Why is data protection on social media so important?
Data protection on social media and in messengers is crucial for several reasons:
- Protection of privacy: You can decide for yourself who receives what information about you and retain control over how your data is used.
- Protection against misuse: Your data could be misused for identity theft, fraud, or unwanted contact.
- Prevention of discrimination: Data profiles can lead to discrimination, for example in job applications or credit assessments.
- Protection against manipulation: By analyzing your data, social media platforms can specifically display content and advertising that is intended to influence your opinions.
Show content of When should I check my privacy settings on social media and in messengers?
Social media accounts and messenger services are constantly changing - through updates, new functionality or personal changes. To prevent your private information from becoming unintentionally visible, it is worth checking the privacy settings at regular intervals. The following situations should be prompts for this.
- After every software update: Updates can introduce new functions or default settings that affect your privacy.
- When introducing new functions: If a platform offers new sharing options or services, it is best to check the associated privacy settings immediately.
- At least once a quarter or every six months: A routine check helps you to keep track.
- After joining new groups or installing new apps: These may require additional permissions.
- If your personal situation changes: For example, with a new job or move, which could affect the desired visibility of your information.
