Best Security Features of Well-known Social Media Platforms

Humans’ social behavior and ways to connect, and share information have been completely transformed by social media. All this happened because of popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn which helped a lot to amass billions of users worldwide, and now these platforms play a significant role in our daily lives. However, with this security and privacy concerns have also grown. And to mitigate this an ongoing effort to safeguard user privacy, counter online threats, and maintain a secure online environment, social media security has evolved to a great extent.

In this article, we will examine social media security and the latest security enhancements made by some of the most popular social media platforms.

How has social media security evolved?

Social media emerged in the early 2000s, but privacy concerns were not given as much attention. As platforms expanded and cyber threats became more prevalent, users realized their personal information could be exploited, leading to identity theft, cyberbullying, and harassment. This realization prompted increased security measures and a shift in mindset towards safeguarding personal data.

To make it safer to connect online, social media platforms started focusing on a few key areas:

1. Security Measures and User Awareness:

• Social media platforms began implementing security features to protect their users, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and privacy settings.
• Encryption technologies were adopted to protect data transmission and prevent unauthorized access.
• User awareness campaigns and educational resources were launched to educate people about online security best practices.
• Social media platforms collaborated with cyber security experts to raise awareness and teach users how to protect their personal information.

2. Combating Cyber Threats and Fake News:

Social media platforms became breeding grounds for cybercriminals, leading to the spread of phishing attacks, malware distribution, and data breaches. To combat these threats, platforms introduced advanced algorithms and automated systems to detect and remove malicious content. Machine learning and artificial intelligence were used to identify suspicious activities, fake accounts, and harmful content. User reporting mechanisms were enhanced to flag inappropriate content.

3. Data Protection and Privacy Regulations:

The Cambridge Analytica scandal highlighted the need for stricter regulations to ensure the security of user data and give people more control over their personal information. Governments and regulatory bodies responded by enacting privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to ensure the security of user data and give people more control over their personal information. Social media platforms had to obtain users’ explicit consent before collecting and processing their data, and they imposed severe penalties for non-compliance.

Let’s now examine some of the most striking security features of well-known social media platforms:

Facebook:

• Facebook has launched the Profile Picture Guard feature to prevent improper use of profile pictures. Enabling this function adds additional security measures, such as preventing others from downloading, sharing, or screenshotting the profile picture.

• Facebook has improved its account recovery options, allowing users to recover their accounts securely via email or phone number verification if they forget their login credentials.

• Security Check-up Tool: Users are prompted to review and update their security settings, which include login alerts, active sessions, and two-factor authentication. FB has introduced login alerts, which notify users about unrecognized logins via email or notifications, allowing users to take immediate action.

• Facebook gives users the option to choose trusted contacts who can assist them in regaining access to their accounts in case they are locked out or forget their login information.

• The privacy Check-up feature walks users through a step-by-step process for reviewing and updating their privacy settings, allowing them to control the visibility of their posts, profile information, and personal data.

Twitter:

• Twitter is testing a feature called “Safety Mode” that instantly recognizes and blocks potentially harmful or abusive accounts for a predetermined amount of time, minimizing exposure to harassment and unwanted interactions.

• Twitter gives users the option to use physical security keys, like USB devices, as an additional layer of login authentication.

• Twitter provides a variety of privacy settings that allow users to control the visibility of their tweets, protect their tweets so that only approved followers can see them, and manage who can tag them in photos or videos.

• Twitter has implemented password reset protection to prevent unauthorized access to accounts. Users can activate this feature to require extra verification steps, like confirming the account email address or phone number, for any password reset requests.

• To stop online abuse of women and girls, Twitter has recently suggested banning fake profiles.

Instagram:

• Two-Step Verification for Sensitive Actions: When a user attempts to perform certain sensitive actions on Instagram, like editing their profile information or accessing the account settings, they are now prompted to confirm their identity through 2FA. This reduces the possibility of unauthorized account access or change.

• To address offensive or inappropriate behavior, Instagram offers “Reporting and Blocking” Users have the option to block accounts to stop further communication by reporting accounts, posts, or comments that go against community standards.

• Restrict Accounts: Users who believe certain accounts are engaging in bullying or harassment can “Restrict” those accounts. Users can review and approve comments before they are made public using this feature, which hides comments from restricted accounts.

• Sensitive Content Control: By enabling the option to blur or hide delicate or potentially upsetting content, Instagram gives users the flexibility to personalize their content viewing experience.

• Users can communicate with their followers publicly (without posting to their feed) by using the “Channels” It is similar to a private direct message but can be sent to all followers rather than just one person.

LinkedIn:

• LinkedIn notifies users of suspicious account activity, such as unusual login locations or devices, to assist in detecting and preventing unauthorized access.

• Profile visibility customization is another helpful feature offered by LinkedIn. Users have granular control over who can see their professional connections, shared articles, and visibility in search results.

• Adherence to Industry Standards: To protect user data, LinkedIn adheres to industry standards and best practices. This includes following data protection laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), encrypting sensitive information, and conducting regular security audits.

• Network Invitation Filtering: A connection invitation filtering system is built into LinkedIn to stop spam and phony accounts from reaching users’ networks. This lessens the possibility of fraudulent or malicious activity and preserves the integrity of users’ professional connections.

Snapchat:

• Snapchat’s Safety Centre offers information and resources about online safety, privacy, and well-being, encouraging users to use the platform responsibly.

• Disappearing Content: Sending images and videos that instantly vanish after a recipient views them is one of Snapchat’s distinguishing features. By doing this, you can protect your privacy and stop content from being saved or distributed without your knowledge or consent.

• Screen Capture Notifications: When a snap is recorded on a screen recorder or screenshotted, Snapchat alerts the sender. By making users aware of whether their content is being saved or shared, this feature encourages accountability and deters unauthorized distribution.

• Snapchat’s Snap Map enables users to notify friends of their location. However, users are in charge of their privacy settings and can opt to activate Ghost Mode to completely obfuscate their location. Thanks to this special feature, users are completely in charge of who can see their location on the map.

• With its “Safety Snapshot” feature, Snapchat gives users access to information and tools about their privacy and safety. It provides knowledge on subjects like digital well-being, mental health, and online safety, enabling users to make wise choices and stay secure on the platform.

Future of Social Media Security

The future of social media security may see increased use of end-to-end encryption, biometric authentication; AI-based algorithms, privacy dashboards; blockchain technology, collaborations between platforms and cyber security firms, user education, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) options. These advancements will enhance user data protection and data integrity on social media platforms.

Numerous well-known platforms are already making use of many of the techniques mentioned above, constantly improving them as well.

Staying informed and proactive about social media security is not just an option, it’s a necessity in today’s digital landscape. By comprehending the importance of social media security, you can safeguard your data, prevent cyber-attacks, maintain privacy, and create safer online surrounding for yourself and others. It empowers you to take control of your digital footprint, mitigate online harassment, and adapt to evolving threats.