Locking down your digital privacy (Social Media)
TL;DR: Enable 2FA everywhere, review app permissions, and clean up old posts.
Your data is currency. Social media platforms default to 'public' because it benefits them, not you. A privacy audit restricts who sees your life and protects you from identity theft and social engineering hacks.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA): Turn this on for every account (Email, Insta, LinkedIn). Use an Authenticator App (Google/Microsoft Auth) rather than SMS if possible, as SIM swapping is a risk.
- Audience Checks: Go to settings. Set default post visibility to 'Friends Only'. Check 'Tagged Photos' settings so you must approve photos before they appear on your profile.
- App Permissions: Check which third-party apps have access to your accounts. Remove any 'Quizzes' or 'Games' you played 5 years ago. They are data siphons.
- Search Yourself: Google your name in quotes. See what images or old accounts pop up. Request removal or delete old accounts you find.
FAQ
Should I make my Instagram private?
Unless you are a creator/business, yes. It prevents scraping and stalking.
Is SMS 2FA better than nothing?
Yes, absolutely. But App-based is safer.
Can I hide my birthday?
Yes, hide the year at minimum. Birthday is a key data point for ID theft.
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