Social media security: the crucial role of email & phone number
In a tech update seminar conducted by Advance Solutions Inc (ASI) on Sept. 13, 2023, Art Samaniego who is Technology Editor of Manila Bulletin, said: “We need to just follow best practices: Strong password, authentication, not sharing of personally identifiable information. We don’t need to be the most high-tech person to protect ourselves.”
Mr. Samaniego was guest panelist in the seminar about Cybersecurity and he emphasized the need to educate all employees of any company or organization about cybersecurity because he believes it’s the only way to put a stop to incidences of cyber crimes in the workplace.
In a recent article for Manila Bulletin, he said that our social media accounts, which contain precious memories, connections, and sensitive information, are susceptible to attacks by cybercriminals.
Fortunately, social media platforms like Facebook offer layers of security to keep these virtual doors locked tight. But among these security measures, two stand out as essential partners in crime prevention: a working email address and a phone number.
Cybercriminals know the importance of these digital locks. After compromising an account, their first move is to change the associated email and phone number. This disarms you, the rightful owner, by severing the communication channels needed for recovery. Without these, regaining access becomes an uphill battle.
But this is where a verified email shines. When a hacker tries to change your password or other critical account details, Facebook automatically sends an alert to your registered email address. This immediate notification acts as a red flag, allowing you to react swiftly and reverse the changes before the hacker locks you. It’s like a security camera catching the intruder in the act!
Phone verification further strengthens your defense. If you miss the email notification or lose access to your inbox, the linked phone number becomes your lifeline. Through it, you can receive recovery codes or initiate account restoration processes directly from your mobile device. It’s like having a spare key hidden under a rock, accessible only to you!
Remember, email and phone number verification complement, not replace, 2FA. Think of 2FA as the complex key mechanism unlocking your door. Having the key (code) alone isn’t enough; you must know where it’s hidden (email/phone). Therefore, using all three security measures together creates an impregnable fortress for your online accounts.
In today’s connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyber defense programs. A cyber security attack can result in everything from identity theft, to extortion attempts, to the loss of important data like family photos. Everyone relies on critical infrastructure like power plants, hospitals, and financial service companies. Securing these and other organizations is essential to keeping our society functioning.
