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MACON - If you think hackers are only after the social media accounts of large companies, think again. Small businesses are three times more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies. Your data, social media followers, and company reputation are valuable to con artists, no matter the size of your business. And what’s more, scammers know that a smaller company is less likely to have training in cybersecurity and social media best practices, making them an easier target.

Similar concerns ring true for individuals with a social media presence. It seems like it’s no longer “if” your social media account will be hacked or replicated…but “when?”

There are many steps you can take to protect your personal or company’s social media accounts. It’s a bit more difficult to get your account back if you’ve already been hacked, however your Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips to share for this as well:

Here’s steps recommended by BBB if you’re working to restore a compromised account:

• Run a malware scan. Ensure the hackers do not install viruses on your device by running a scan with reputable security software. If the scan identifies any malware, delete it and restart your device.
• Change your passwords immediately. If you can still access your account, change your password. Then, change the passwords to all of your other social media accounts, even if you only see suspicious activity on one network, just in case.
• Report the social media hack. Once you change your password, or if you are locked out of your account by scammers, contact the social media network. Don’t delete any damaging posts immediately since you may need them as evidence of the hack. Take screenshots of unauthorized posts or messages and then report the issue. Follow any instructions to restore your account, which may vary from platform to platform.
• Report compromised information. If you suspect your sensitive, personal information was compromised, report it at IdentityTheft.gov, where you can create a personalized recovery plan.
• Review your activity log and account settings. Look at the activity log to determine when and where your social media account was accessed. Then review your followers, the accounts you follow, and recent comments and messages.
• Let your customers or friends know. Especially if hackers post something to your account or send out messages to your followers, it’s important that you notify your customers or family/friends connected with you on social media and keep them updated as you work to resolve the issue.

Here’s BBB’s tips on how to best secure your social media accounts:

Keep a close eye on your account. You should proactively watch for signs of any compromise to your company’s social media accounts or your personal ones. This includes unfamiliar poststhat you didn’t authorize for your business or messages from clients or friends saying they received a strange message or email from you. In either case, that’s a red flag that your account has been compromised. Keep in mind that if your data has been compromised in a data breach or malware attack, or if a device with stored login information was stolen, hacking becomes more likely.

• Use strong passwords. Avoid easy passwords. Use long passwords with numbers, letters (upper and lower case), and symbols. Never use the same password twice. And if that sounds like a lot to manage, consider using a password manager.
• Set up two-factor authentication. Multifactor authentication (MFA) makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your account, even if they’ve gotten a hold of your password. Setting this up for your business accounts is a must and highly recommended for personal accounts as well.
• Keep antivirus software up to date. Protect your computers and mobile devices from malware attacks by installing antivirus software and running regular scans.
• Check your accounts regularly for suspicious activity. Keep an eye on your social media accounts. Check in daily, if possible, to ensure your account hasn’t been compromised.
• Be careful with third-party apps. Instagram warns users that they can gain complete access to their account if they give their login information to a third-party app by handing over their password and username or even a login token. The same is true for any social media network. If you use a third-party app, like a social media scheduler, ensure it’s from a reputable source.

You can stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices by checking out the BBB business news feed today. You can also read more about recovering hacked online accounts with the Federal Trade Commission: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recover-your-hacked-email-or-social-media-account.

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Kelvin Collins is president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving the Fall Line Corridor, serving 77 counties in East Alabama, West Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Central Georgia, East Georgia, and Western South Carolina. This tips column is provided through the local BBB and the International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB). The Better Business Bureau sets standards for ethical business behavior, monitors compliance and helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses. Questions or complaints about a specific company or charity should be referred directly to the BBB at Phone: 1-800-763-4222, Web site: BBB.org or E-mail: info @ centralgeorgia.bbb.org