How can the sharing of user information by social media platforms affect users?
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Social media users’ concerns about their privacy have spiked in recent years. Incidents of data breaches have alarmed many users and forced them to rethink their relationships to social media and the security of their personal information. The dramatic story of the consulting agency Cambridge Analytica is a case in point. The firm exploited the private information of over 50 million Facebook users to influence the 2016 American presidential election. This example and others have steadily deteriorated public trust and resulted in many users wondering if they have lost control over their own data. According to a study conducted by the Pew Trust, 80 percent of social media users report being concerned about businesses and advertisers accessing and using their social media posts. These growing privacy concerns have prompted advocacy for tighter regulations. In addition, they have placed companies responsible for safeguarding personal data under greater scrutiny. Given today’s social media privacy issues and concerns, skilled cybersecurity professionals will play a vital role in protecting social media users’ data and personal information. Those interested in gaining the expertise needed to launch a career in cybersecurity would do well to consider earning an advanced degree in cybersecurity management. Learn More About a Master in Cybersecurity ManagementUnderstanding Social Media Privacy IssuesWhat are social media users worried about? Are their concerns justified? Typically, these concerns stem from the ubiquitous presence of social media in people’s lives. Forty-five percent of the world’s population uses social networks. That means a staggering 3.48 billion people connect to some form of social media, according to data collected by Hootesuite. These connections can leave users vulnerable in several ways. When personal information falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be damaging. According to the Pew Trust, 13 percent of Americans have had their social media accounts taken over by an unauthorized user. Such hacks can result in stolen information and forced shares that redirect followers to malware, among other things. In general, social media platforms, which collect and store huge amounts of personal information with limited governmental oversight, serve as attractive targets for bad actors seeking to use that data to perpetrate fraud and theft. Another rising concern, exacerbated by Cambridge Analytica’s breach of Facebook data, centers on how bad actors access private data from social media platforms and elsewhere and use it to manipulate opinions for the benefit of a few. For example, the Russian operation Internet Research Agency is accused of interfering in the U.S. presidential election of 2016 by using social media to spread disinformation that stirred up conflict and distrust. Threats to Privacy on Social MediaCriminals are adept at tricking social media users into handing over sensitive information, stealing personal data, and gaining access to accounts users consider private. Following are typical social media threats. Data Mining Phishing Attempts Malware Sharing Botnet Attacks Social Media Privacy Issues in 2020The attacks outlined above will continue to pose privacy threats in 2020. In fact, as the 2020 presidential election draws near, these attacks will likely increase. Earlier this year, Politico reported that wide-ranging disinformation campaigns aimed at Democratic candidates had already begun. Attackers employing the same tactics as the trolls from Internet Research Agency are now using social media data to wage a disinformation “war” designed to confuse and polarize Americans. The cyber-propaganda is often disseminated via bot accounts, which use mined data to target preferred audiences. The full impact of social media attacks on the 2020 state, federal, and presidential elections is hard to predict. Become an Expert in CybersecurityThe importance of comprehensively addressing social media privacy issues cannot be underestimated. The challenge calls for skilled experts. Going to the next level in cybersecurity management requires the right training from top professionals knowledgeable in the field. Learn more about how Tulane University’s Online Master of Professional Studies in Cybersecurity Management prepares graduates to tackle today’s serious cybersecurity challenges. Download our e-brochure today for more information about our Master in Cybersecurity Management Loading... By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time. Sources: What are the disadvantages of sharing personal information on social media?However, as social media has grown over the years, so has the risk of data breaches. As more and more information gets placed online, there is an increased danger of hackers, companies, and malicious interlopers mining your data in ways that undermine personal privacy. And in some cases, your data is outright stolen.
How might sharing personal information on a social site adversely affect a user?“While it may seem like the information is being shared with only your friends and family, it can also be shared with hackers and scammers who troll the social media sites,” he says. “Once your data is in the wild, it stays in the wild and can be used by any number of unscrupulous characters.”
What are the consequences of sharing personal information?Prevent identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone gains access to your personal information and pretends to be you online. Individuals who have accessed your personal data can retrieve your login information for various websites or commit cybercrimes such as tax fraud, all while posing as you.
What are the risks of posting information on social media?Social media benefits include connection, learning and creativity. Risks include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy and data breaches.
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