Whenever we use an online account, we give hackers an opportunity to siphon our confidential data. Hackers are dangerous because they can use the stolen data to intimidate you, demand huge amounts of money, and tarnish your online reputation. Therefore, account safety has become a major concern in the modern society. This guide provides essential methods that you can use to protect your accounts from cybercriminals.

1. Practice Good Password Hygiene 
One of the best ways to protect your accounts is by creating strong passwords that are not easy to guess. Creating weak passwords will give hackers a perfect opportunity to interfere with your accounts. For instance, it is not advisable to use the word “password” as your password. You should not use a similar password for different social media accounts. Moreover, after every two or three months, you should update your passwords.

2. Enable Two-factor Authentication 
Activating two-factor authentication is another strategy that you can use to safeguard your social media accounts. Also known as TFA or 2FA, this method requires further evidence from the user to prove that he or she is the owner of a particular social media account. Provided the hackers do not have the device required for authentication, such as a mobile phone, they cannot access your accounts.

3. Protect Your Confidentiality 
You should be cautious when sharing your personal information on your social media accounts. You need to know that your posts are likely to be seen by millions of social media users, including hackers. Hackers can use these details to defraud you. Additionally, you should use privacy settings to make sure that only the people you know see your posts.

4. Be Careful When Accepting New Friends 
Many people will send friend requests on your social media accounts. However, you should understand that not every person has good intentions when requesting to be your friend. Therefore, it is advisable to assess people before accepting them to be your online friends. For instance, you can visit their profiles and stalk them. If you realize that a specific social media user looks suspicious, you should not accept his or her request. Additionally, do not accept every stranger to be your friend because many hackers use this strategy to attack their targets.

5. Avoid Using the Auto Login Option 
When using any device to access your account or any other social network, you should not save your passwords or any other login details. Saving your login details on the browsers will give hackers an opportunity to steal your data. If they successfully hack into your handset or computer, they are likely to get into your social sites, steal your data, and use it for their own benefit.

6. Use a Secure VPN 
With the right tools and a little bit of hacking knowledge, any person can access your devices and defraud you if you are not cautious. The VPN will prevent cybercriminals from monitoring your online activities because it hides your real IP address. It is advisable to read online customers’ reviews when selecting a VPN for your computer, which will enable you to make an informed decision.