CSIRT-CAN – Centro de Respuesta a Incidentes de Seguridad de Canarias

Social Media Privacy: How to Control Your Privacy to Protect Yourself

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Sharing too much information about our lives on social media puts our privacy at risk.

Even if we think that sharing images or videos of our lives doesn't expose us, it can actually pose a risk.

Here are some of the mistakes users make:

1.    Real-time location
Photos, stories, and check-ins reveal where you are and your routines.
2.    Personal data
Date of birth, phone number, email, or school.
3.    Habits and routines
Schedules, trips, frequented places.
4.    Work information
Position, company, projects, or tools you use.
5.    Photo metadata
Some images include technical data such as location or device.
6.    Contacts and relationships
Who are your friends, family, or coworkers?

 

How to configure privacy correctly

1.    Review profile visibility
Limit posts to friends or contacts only.
2.    Control who can contact you
Filter messages and requests.
3.    Turn off automatic location sharing
Prevent unnecessarily sharing your location.
4.    Review app permissions
Many apps access your profile and data.
5.    Hide sensitive information
Phone number, email, and date of birth.
6.    Review past posts
Delete or restrict past content.
7.    Use two-factor authentication (2FA) Protect your account, even if your password is stolen.