Social media and messaging applications have become part of everyday life for over 12 million Kenyan. They have opened up a whole new world to people of all ages and abilities.
Real-time communication with friends from across the world is now common place and easily takes place despite the physical distance.
With this in mind, it is important to understand how to operate safely on these social media and messaging applications since they use internet to pass information and data.
The question on how to operate safely on social media and the messaging apps has become a major concern for many. Kenyans.co.ke takes a look at five ways you can ensure this happens as advised by KICTANet, a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation.
Avoid requests for your sensitive information
Avoid requests or sharing sensitive information with unknown persons. Currently, phishers are pushing out phishing attacks where they attempt to persuade people to hand over information such as passwords or financial information related to bank accounts.
Today’s attacks on social media and messaging applications are more targeted, complex, and difficult to detect, making them more lucrative than ever. Sometimes phishers pose as known and trusted organizations where they request sensitive information and end up stealing from the user.
Never give personal information over the phone
Do not give out personal information like your name, age, address, phone number, or social security number to strangers.
Never meet in person with an online stranger unless it is in a public place. It is also advisable not to invite a stranger to come to meet you in person or call you at your home.
Save all important numbers on your phone so that you recognize them
It is advisable that you save all important numbers on your phone. This helps you to quickly access them when in need.
Saving important numbers will help the user avoid receiving calls and responding to messages from strangers who might have the intention of scamming them.
Avoid answering a call from an unknown number
Don’t trust the display name of an unknown number that is calling just because it is from someone you know or trust.
Even if it is on a messaging application, it is advised that you take your time before you respond to any messages on your phone.
Verify if a request is valid
It is advised that the user exercises caution when handling links and attachments. This is because phishing emails often contain malicious links or attachments which redirect users to fraudulent websites that steal their credentials or download malware on the users devices.
Therefore, it is advisable to verify requests to ensure they are valid so that you can keep your social media and messaging apps secure.
