In this age of technology and interconnectedness, no organization, institution or individual can afford to be unconnected. Over the years, we have devised various means to improve and sustain connectivity, but none has been more effective than social media.

Social media refers to all interactive technologies that enable users to create content, share information, express ideas and interests through virtual communities and networks. Social media interactions can either be on a website or stand-alone mobile applications which has become common and most convenient these days.

Within the last two decades, we have witnessed a whopping rise and popularity of social media and its platforms like Facebook and its Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, WeChat, Tumblr, Telegram and many others. These platforms over time have become our mainstream of interactions, communications and means of channels of doing business.

According to Statista, it is estimated that over 3.4 billion people are using social media around the globe. The number is expected to rise to 4.41 billion in 2025. These statistics mean that almost half of the world’s population is using social media.

Social media is not without its shortcomings, as it provides an opportunity for cybercriminals to perpetrate numerous heinous crimes like identity theft, cyberstalking, hacking, financial fraud and cloning. It is therefore expedient, that one must endeavour to protect and manage one’s social media presence.

How To Protect Your Social Media Account.

To deter unauthorized access, all social media platforms request users to create personalized profiles guarded with unique security passcodes or passwords. It has become very evident that these codes or passwords have proven inadequate in securing social media accounts from being hacked and personal information harvested.

Many social media companies in a bid to ensure the information of their users are protected have integrated the two-way verification feature also known as two-factor authentication (2FA). This account security feature requires any person attempting to gain access to an account to provide additional proof of authenticity — showing that they are allowed to access the account. The second step usually requires the person to enter a code sent to the account owner’s phone or answer a security question pre-defined and answered by the account owner. The account will be successfully accessed only when the right code or answer is entered.

Facebook

To set up two-step verification on your Facebook account, please follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Facebook account, go to your profile and select profile shortcut.
2. Under account security, select use the two-factor authentication option.
3. Set your preferred authentication method and click Enable.

4. Once that is successfully set up when trying to log in from a new device, you will have the option to

5. Give consent by inputting the code sent to your mobile or the authentication App.

WhatsApp

To enable two-step verification on your WhatsApp account, you’ll be required to provide a unique six-digit PIN. Follow these easy steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Account.
3. Select Two-step verification.
4. Tap Enable.
You can also add your email address upon activating this feature. The email address will be an alternative link should you forget your PIN.

Instagram

Just like Facebook, Instagram’s two-step verification has two or more authentication methods. To enable the feature, follow these simple steps:

1. Click the menu icon at the top right corner of your profile.
2. Select the Settings option from the list.
3. Select Privacy and Security.
4. Tap the Get Started button.
5. Choose the two-factor authentication method you desire.
6. Enter the code you received from your chosen security type to complete the process.
7. After completion, save recovery codes.

Twitter

These are the steps to take to set up your Twitter two-way verification feature.

1. Click on the Profile icon and select Settings and Privacy.
2. Select Security and Account Access.
3. Select Security from the options
4. Select Two-Factor Authentication.
5. Choose your authentication type.
6. Enter the code you received from your chosen authentication type to complete the process.
7. Save the single-backup codes in a safe place.

With 2FA or Verification, your social media account and information will be secured against theft and unauthorized access.