Social media has become an integral digital marketing tool for businesses of all shapes and sizes. However, it takes only one wrong post to go viral and destroy your business. In many ways, keeping your business’s social media account secure is the same as keeping your business’ name secure as well. So it’s best to keep your social media safe from hackers and other individuals who wish to harm your business.
Passwords and Authentication
You should have a strong password, which should be updated regularly. Many businesses use a two-factor authentication enabled as an added level of security, and that you shouldn’t have the same passwords across multiple social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Watch Out for Scams and Phishing
Those that manage your social media accounts should be knowledgeable about the common ways hackers and cyber-criminals take information, including login information and even your bank and credit card details. Your “social media manager” should avoid clicking any links in messages and posts, and should also ignore any obvious scams and blackmail attempts.
Register and Monitor
There are still businesses who don’t use social media simply because they feel like they don’t need to. Still, there’s the real risk of someone impersonating your business (using your business name) and use your brand to scam other people or destroy your brand’s reputation. So, even if you don’t plan on using social media for your business, it’s recommended that you make an official and verified social media account to let the public know that it’s the only legitimate and official social media account representing you.
Always Archive
There are many reasons why you’d want to archive your solution media account, including any messages, posts, interactions, as well as social media activity by an employee of your business. For one, archives can serve as proof in case there are any lawsuits filed as a result of one of your business’ social media posts.
Next, this would also help you properly and legally capture any employee misconduct in social media. Social media archives also help you protect yourself legally in case an unauthorized party messages a client or another individual or makes an unauthorized post using your social media account. You should look for reliable and industry-trusted archiving solutions for your business’ social media accounts.
Train Employees on Responsible Social Media Use
It’s possible that you already have an iron-clad social media security policy and protection for your brand’s social media account, but what about your employees?
You should instruct employees on how to properly use social media, particularly about disclosing (either intentionally or unintentionally) private business information and clients. It’s also important that you let your employees know that they’re representing your brand, so any malicious or scandalous comment or post they make can be damage your business’ name. Business employees should also be instructed to refrain from messaging clients privately.
Whether you’re a coffee shop, a retail store, or a huge company, there’s no question that social media can be a very useful tool in building your brand and also making your business more “visible” online. But it’s just as important to ensure the security of your business’ social media account as any unauthorized post can be detrimental to your brand.
