10 Essential Ways to Stay Safe Online (Without Overcomplicating It!)
Can We Go a Day Without Someone Getting Hacked?
Let’s be real—probably not.
If you’ve scrolled social media recently, you’ve likely seen someone posting, “I got hacked! Don’t accept friend requests from me!” or “If you got a weird message from me, it wasn’t me!”
It’s happening constantly. And while we like to think, “That won’t happen to me,” the truth is, cybercriminals don’t discriminate. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or just someone who likes scrolling TikTok for cute dog videos, protecting yourself online isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
I recently did a presentation on online security, and the biggest thing I realized? Most people assume they’re not a target. That mindset needs to change. So, let’s go over 10 essential ways to stay safe online—without making it too complicated!
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords (Yes, Really!)
I know, I know. You already have a “good” password. But if your password is 123456, “password,” your birthday, or your dog’s name, you’re making it WAY too easy for hackers.
How to create a strong password:
✅ Use 12+ characters (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols)
✅ Never reuse passwords across multiple sites (yes, this is annoying, but necessary!)
✅ Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to keep track
✅ Change passwords every 6 months
Oh, and those fun quizzes on Facebook? You know, the ones asking, “What was your first car?” or “What’s your mother’s maiden name?”—STOP filling them out. You’re basically giving hackers your security answers on a silver platter.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like adding an extra lock on your front door. Even if someone steals your password, they still won’t get in without a second verification step.
How to set up 2FA:
Go to Settings > Security on your platform (Google, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Choose a verification method (text message, authentication app, email)
Save backup codes in case you lose access
Yes, it’s an extra step. But it’s 100% worth it to keep your accounts safe.
3. Think Before You Click
Most hacking happens through phishing scams—tricking you into clicking on fake links or downloading malware.
🚨 Common phishing red flags:
⚠️ An email from “Facebook Support” asking you to verify your account (spoiler: Facebook didn’t send it!)
⚠️ A message saying “Is this you in this video?” (no, it’s not—DON’T CLICK IT)
⚠️ A text from your “bank” asking for personal info (always call your bank to confirm)
How to protect yourself:
✅ Never click on unexpected links or attachments
✅ Hover over links before clicking to check the real URL
✅ If unsure, contact the sender another way
4. Be Careful About What You Share
Hackers and scammers use the personal info you share to guess passwords and security questions.
What NOT to share publicly:
❌ Your full birthday, home address, or phone number
❌ Answers to those “fun” online quizzes (first pet’s name, favourite teacher, etc.)
❌ Vacation plans (posting, “Leaving for two weeks!” = telling criminals your home is empty)
5. Regularly Review Your Privacy Settings
Social media platforms update their privacy settings all the time—often exposing more of your data than you realize.
Things to check:
✔️ Who can see your posts? Adjust Facebook & Instagram settings
✔️ Who has access to your business pages? Remove ex-employees or contractors
✔️ What apps are connected? Revoke access to apps you no longer use
🗓️ Set a reminder every 3-6 months to review your privacy settings!
6. Watch Out for Fake Accounts & Friend Requests
Scammers love impersonating real people to gain trust and steal information.
Before accepting a request:
✔️ Check if you’re already friends with that person
✔️ Look for low engagement, few posts, or stolen profile pictures
✔️ Message them outside the platform to confirm it’s really them
🚨 If an account seems fake, REPORT IT!
7. Have a Backup Admin on Your Business Page
If your personal Facebook account is hacked, you could lose access to your business page—yikes!
How to protect your business page:
✅ Add a trusted admin (partner, family member, employee)
✅ Give them Editor or Admin access
✅ If you get locked out, they can help you regain control
8. Secure Your Wi-Fi & Avoid Public Networks
Weak Wi-Fi security can be an entry point for hackers.
How to protect your Wi-Fi:
✔️ Change your router’s default password
✔️ Use WPA3 encryption (check router settings)
✔️ Turn off remote access to your router
✔️ Set up a guest Wi-Fi for visitors/employees
🚨 Avoid using public Wi-Fi for business transactions! If you must, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.
9. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Imagine losing all your business data overnight. Scary, right?
What to back up:
✔️ Important documents & files
✔️ Website and social media content
✔️ Customer databases
💡 Use automatic cloud backups (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) or an external hard drive for extra security.
10. Have a Plan for If You Get Hacked
Even with precautions, hacking can still happen. The faster you act, the less damage they can do.
What to do if you’re hacked:
✔️ Change passwords immediately
✔️ Enable 2FA if it wasn’t already on
✔️ Report the issue to the platform (Facebook, Instagram, email provider)
✔️ Alert clients, customers, or followers if your business account was compromised
✔️ Scan your devices for malware
Take Control of Your Online Safety
Cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations—it’s for everyone.
As business owners, entrepreneurs, and everyday social media users, we have to take responsibility for protecting our accounts, data, and reputations.
By following these 10 steps, you’ll be more prepared, more secure, and less vulnerable to online threats.
💬 Want to make sure your social media is secure? Book a consultation with KA Social Media Consulting for a security audit of your accounts!
