12 Social Media Threats to Be Aware Of & How to Prevent Them

As a security leader, it’s never been more important to be aware of a new threat vector called social media threats and narrative attacks that could impact your organization. Social media has become a crucial part of everyday life, offering a convenient form of communication, business, and entertainment. The vast majority of your employees and executives are likely using social media alongside threat actors and cyber criminals, leaving your company vulnerable. 

Furthermore, executives have embraced social media channels for brand-building and thought leadership. As a result, impersonation, misinformation, disinformation, account takeover, deepfakes, and executive phishing are all of major concern. A survey of over 600 enterprise leaders found that 100% of executives have adopted social media as a business tool, with 39% of them using platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook for brand awareness, and 32% using cloud channels to showcase leadership. Despite an enthusiasm for social media, companies aren’t aware of the dangers posed by social media threats and narrative attacks. Another survey found that 1 in 4 enterprise IT officers and cybersecurity experts said that executive social media accounts are a major risk factor. 

For all their good, social media platforms are at risk of being compromised, putting your organization’s privacy and security at risk. Learn more about social media threats and narrative attacks you should know about and how to protect your organization.

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a threat that many users have encountered. About 8% of social media cyberattacks are conducted through phishing. Cybercriminals will use social media platforms to send deceptive messages that appear to be from real sources. In these messages are links that, once clicked, direct users to fake websites designed to steal sensitive information like login information, credit card numbers, and other personal data.

Phishing Prevention Tips:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from friends.
• Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Use multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

2. Malware Distribution

Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for malware distribution. Cybercriminals may post malicious links or apps that, when interacted with, can infect your device with malware. This malware can range from spyware and adware to more severe threats like ransomware. Social engineering is a common way to spread malware and viruses on social media. Nearly 1 in 5 organizations worldwide are now infected by malware distributed by social media platforms.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid downloading apps or software from unverified sources.
• Keep your device’s operating system and security software up to date.
• Regularly scan your devices for malware.

3. Account Hacking

Hacking is another common social media threat, where attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. Hackers often use techniques like credential stuffing, where they use previously leaked usernames and passwords to gain access to accounts. On average 1.4 billion social media accounts are hacked every month. From 2021-2022, the number of hijacked social media accounts saw an increase of 1,000%.

Prevention Tips:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each of your social media accounts.
• Change your passwords regularly.
• Enable account recovery options to regain access quickly if hacked.

4. Privacy Invasion

Social media platforms often require users to share personal information, making privacy invasion a significant threat. Cybercriminals and even marketers can exploit this information for malicious purposes, from targeted scams to unauthorized data collection.

Prevention Tips:

• Adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your information.
• Be cautious about the personal details you share online.
• Regularly review and update your privacy settings.

5. Catfishing and Romance Scams

Catfishing involves creating fake profiles to deceive users, often for romantic or financial exploitation. Romance scams can lead to significant emotional distress and economic loss, as victims are tricked into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

Prevention Tips:

• Verify the identity of people you meet online before engaging in financial transactions.
• Be wary of individuals who avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
• Report suspicious profiles to the social media platform.

6. Fake News and Misinformation

The spread of fake news and misinformation is a social media threat that can have widespread consequences. False information can influence public opinion, incite panic, and even impact elections. Social media’s rapid dissemination of information makes it a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and disinformation. About 38% of U.S. consumers unknowingly shared fake news on social media. An estimated 500k deepfakes were shared on social media in 2023. Narrative intelligence tools like Blackbird.AI can help analyze emerging misinformation and disinformation to identify key narratives that impact organizations, the influence behind them, the networks they touch, the bot behavior that scales them, and the cohorts and communities that connect them. This information enables organizations to proactively understand narrative threats as they scale and become harmful for better strategic decision-making.. 

Prevention Tips:

• Verify news from reputable sources before sharing it.
• Be skeptical of sensational headlines and stories.
• Report false information to help curb its spread.
• Partner with a narrative intelligence leader to best prepare for misinformation and disinformation attacks

Learn more: Reasons Why Security Leaders Need To Act Now To Protect Their Organization From Narrative Attacks Created By Misinformation and Disinformation

7. Cyberbullying and Harassment

Social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying and harassment. The anonymity and distance provided by online interactions can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior, leading to emotional and psychological harm for victims.

Prevention Tips:

• Block and report users who engage in abusive behavior.
• Keep evidence of harassment for reporting purposes.
• Seek support from friends, family, or professionals if you are a victim of cyberbullying.

8. Impersonation and Identity Theft

Impersonation is a social media threat where attackers create fake profiles to impersonate others, often for financial gain or to damage reputations. Identity theft can occur when personal information is used without consent, leading to financial and legal consequences for the victim.

Prevention Tips:

• Use unique profile pictures and watermarks to make it harder for impersonators to steal your identity.
• Monitor your accounts for signs of impersonation.
• Report fake profiles to the social media platform immediately.

9. Data Mining and Exploitation

Social media platforms collect vast amounts of data on their users, which can be exploited by third parties for advertising, political influence, or other purposes. Data mining can infringe on your privacy and lead to targeted scams or manipulation.

Prevention Tips:

• Review the permissions and data-sharing settings of the apps you use.
• Limit the amount of personal information you share online.
• Use privacy-focused social media platforms when possible.

10. Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering is a psychological manipulation tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing confidential information. This can involve attackers posing as trusted contacts to gain access to sensitive data or accounts on social media channels.

Prevention Tips:

• Verify the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information.
• Be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages.
• Educate yourself and others about social engineering tactics.

11. Addiction and Mental Health Issues

While not a direct security threat, social media addiction and its impact on mental health are significant concerns. Excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, particularly among young people. More than 1 in 3 adults (38%) see social media use as harmful.

Prevention Tips:

• Set time limits for social media use to maintain a healthy balance.
• Engage in offline activities and interactions to reduce reliance on social media.
• Seek professional help if you experience negative mental health effects due to social media use.

12. Over-sharing and Location Tagging

Sharing too much information on social media can lead to unintended consequences, such as burglary or stalking. Location tagging, in particular, can expose your real-time whereabouts to malicious actors.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid sharing your exact location in real time.
• Limit the personal information you post online.
• Be mindful of what you share and with whom.

Social Media Threats and Narrative Attacks

Social media threats and narrative attacks are a growing concern as platform usage continues to expand, but you can protect your organization. Blackbird.AI helps organizations identify and protect against narrative attacks and social media threats caused by misinformation and disinformation. Find out why the world’s most influential brands and national security organizations use Blackbird.AI to protect against narrative attacks. See a demo now.