Whether you're new to Twitter or a longtime user, you should
be aware of some of the risks involved with using the platform. Whether you are
using Twitter to keep up to date with current events, to follow your favorite
celebrities, or to connect with friends and business colleagues, there are some
basic steps you can take to keep yourself safe.
First, you should ensure that your account is
password-protected. It is recommended that you use a strong password, and you
should change your password regularly. You should also make sure that you're
using a different password for every website that you visit. If your password
is the same for all websites, a hacker can gain access to your account. Twitter
provides two-factor authentication, which adds a second check to account
security. You can enable this in the Settings section of your account.
Alternatively, you can choose a security key as a verification option. If you
choose this option, you must enter a code that Twitter sends to your mobile
phone when you log in.
Second, you should never give out any personal information
on Twitter. This includes your phone number, e-mail address, or other
information. If someone steals your information, they could use it to create
new accounts and purchase goods and services in your name. This could also lead
to cyberbullying and identity theft.
Third, you should consider whether or not you want to allow
strangers to read your direct messages. In some cases, this could be a
violation of the Twitter terms of service. If you don't want strangers to read
your DMs, you can choose to limit them to followers. If you choose this option,
you can also mute certain words or hashtags on your account.
Finally, it's important to understand that Twitter is a
public platform. As such, you can pose as a celebrity, a politician, or even a
friend. While it's easy to create a fake account, it's important to realize
that it's still possible to post information that could be embarrassing to the
public. You should also remember that your information can be shared with
strangers, which could increase your risk for cyberbullying.
One of the biggest problems with Twitter is rogue employees.
Twitter has a history of hiring employees who don't follow the company's
policy, and this can lead to problems with your account. If you're having
trouble changing your password, or if you think your account has been hacked,
you can contact Twitter's customer service. Twitter offers several tools that
will allow you to delete your account or verify your identity. You can also use
these tools to suspend your account.
Last, you should always keep your security settings up to
date. You can also avoid sub-tweeting. This is when someone posts negative
things about you without mentioning your name. While it's hard to prevent these
things from being posted on your account, it's important to think about how
you're using Twitter. If you do post something that is embarrassing, you should
let Twitter know so that they can delete it.
