Cybercrime in Social Media

Preventive steps to be taken on social media

The following are some of the preventive steps to be taken on social media:

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  Memorize passwords rather than writing or saving.
  
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  Never leave identity cards (PAN/Aadhar/Driving License) softcopies in the trash or public computers.
  
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  Never click on web links received in emails or messages from unknown.
  
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  Keep your electronic devices password/PIN protected.
  
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  From time to time, check the last login, a device used to log in, location, and browser information on social media accounts.
  
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  Implement two-step verification.
  

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  Be careful while downloading or installing third-party apps.
  

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  Avoid using any free Wi-Fi, games, coupon codes, and so on.
  
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  If not using any social media account for long, then deactivate.
  
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  Never save credit/debit card information on e-commerce/ online shopping websites.
  
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  Never save the password when prompted to save.
  
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  Use strict privacy rules over social media.
  
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  Avoid tagging or posting locations or live vacation images on social media platforms.
  
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  Avoid enabling single sign-on or sync options for various social media accounts with other applications.
  
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  Always memorize your passwords rather than writing or saving them in an application or browser.
  
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  Never accept requests from strangers over social media platforms unless they're well known.
  
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  Never click on links received in emails or messages from strangers.
  
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  Immediately report the profile or block accounts that seem to be suspicious.
  
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  Keep your privacy settings very strict to prevent any unknown person from entering your account.
  
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  Always notice the last login, the device used to log in, location, and browser information on prominent social media accounts.
  
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  Disable download of pictures/videos from your social media accounts to prevent misuse.
  
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  Do not reply to any forms of communication such as game invites, pokes, or messages over social media.
  
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  Keep your contacts and parents informed of any suspicious activities over social media.
  
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  Do not panic if your profile is hacked, misused, or defamed.
  

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  Report the incident to the cyber cell.
  
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  Never add information about a trip or vacation on social media platforms.
  
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  Never share your location while sharing pictures or videos from a vacation or trip.
  

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  Always wait to return home before making any posts of a trip or vacation.
  
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  Ask your most active friends not to comment about your trip or vacation plans on social media.
  
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  Avoid tagging pictures with dates, times, and locations.
  
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  Never open emails and attachments from suspicious sources.
  
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  Never share your OTP even if the fraudster says they're calling directly from a bank.
  
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  Never install any application told by strangers on call unless you know it is known and safe.
  
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  Avoid entering credit/debit card information even on IVR.
  
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  Always be suspicious while reading tempting offers.
  
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  Never follow any steps listed for availing of an offer.
  
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  Before installing any free software/application on your laptop/phone, make sure to uncheck all unnecessary sections, clauses to prevent the installation of anything other than what you intended to.
  
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  Keep your antivirus software up to date.
  
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  Never leave credit/debit card receipts at the bank or ATMs.
  
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  Ensure that credit/debit card swiping is done in your presence.
  
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  No one can win the lottery if they do not participate.
  
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  Enable spam filters in your account.
  
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  Never accept or transfer money into an unknown account.
  
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  Crosscheck the domain before replying to any email.
  
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  Never respond to the phone calls which claim that your card is blocked.
  

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  Search and apply for jobs only on authentic job portals.
  

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  Keep your friends or family informed if you meet a social media contact.
  
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  Never share intimate photographs with someone whom you met on social media.
  
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  Share safe browsing practices with your friends and family members.
  
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  Don't delete offensive text messages or emails. These are helpful in a police investigation.
  

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