These days, concerns about social media go beyond what your employees are posting. You can’t shut down social media, but there are steps you can take to avoid scams and other problems.

Social media-related scams rose by 150% last year on the top sites (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn®, and Twitter). It only takes one careless click, and cybercriminals can change profile settings, steal information, spreads viruses and malware, intercept services, and manipulate finances.

Some basic guidelines can help ensure safe, secure social media use for both your company and your employees:

·         Make sure employees know your company’s policies and procedures regarding social media use. If you don’t currently have a social media policy, make establishing a top priority; and ensure that all new and existing employees are trained on it.

·         Keep employees abreast of new or revised policies, alerting them to trending scams, bugs, or viruses. Remind them to avoid “click bait” and not give out personal or company information on line. If your company experiences a social media-related problem, address it promptly; and educate staff so that it isn’t repeated.

·         Have a designated person/staff in charge of monitoring social media activities, managing social media security, assigning access privileges, and more.

·         Create a culture where employees feel safe reporting a social media problem or mistake so that it can be addressed promptly.

·         Invest in secure technology. This includes devices, software, applications, and platforms that have features to change usernames/passwords, allow only authorized IP addresses, assign user privileges, employ data encryption, and more. Consider requiring two-factor authentication for social media accounts, if possible. This can provide an additional layer of protection.

·         When hurricanes or other natural disasters strike, remind employees about the fake donation sites, questionable crowdfunding campaigns, and scammers pretending to be victims or survivors that often pop up to take advantage of people’s generosity. Encourage staff to research any organization or individual before they donate or share any disaster relief information via social media.

Encourage employees to pay attention and use common sense, such as not clicking on unknown sites, not accepting stranger “friend requests,” and avoiding those tempting online quizzes. Caution them that they are responsible for their postings and that what they say or do online—even off the clock—reflects on them.