As business owners, when we think about securing important business information, we typically consider financial information or important documents. It would be incorrect and risky to underestimate the threat of exposing information via the internet.
The last thing that comes to most business owner’s minds is their social media account information. Take heed from everyone’s favorite Tex-Mex fast food restaurant, Chipotle. On February 8, 2015, the good people over at Chipotle woke up to a horrible surprise. Their company’s Twitter account had been hacked. Not only was their account hacked, but it was also littered with profanities. This isn’t the first time this has happened. The United States Military’s has also seen their social media accounts compromised.
As social media grows and more companies are leveraging its power to connect with their audience, the need to have extra measures in place has become important to not only protect your social media accounts but more importantly, your brand and reputation. In addition to creating a strong password, below are three additional measures you can take today.
1. Monitor third party access to your account
Many business owners utilize many social media management applications such as HootSuite or Buffer. The more sites that have access to your company’s online information, the greater the risk for exposure to potential hackers. Adding more to the equation, there is the possibility of multiple team members having access to the account information and accidently providing your passwords to a party that wants to bring your business harm.
2. Beware of phishing
Phishing is the malicious attempt to gain valuable information such as usernames and passwords by posing as a trustworthy source such as a website administrator. Just as phishing occurs in email, financial, and other online communication; it also occurs on all social media platforms.
3. Use a multistep authentication
When accessing online accounts, most business owners put in their username and password to gain access to their accounts. Don’t make it easy for anyone else to gain access. Google 2 Step Verification is an option that adds an additional step to the log in process on Google+. After entering your password into the website, a code will be sent to your cell phone. This code will be required to access your account.
Many business owners have worked extremely hard to develop their brand. Please avoid becoming a business owner whose hard work and dedication is compromised by an online attack like our friends at Chipotle.