In recent times, there’s been an alarming increase in social media account hijacking, with Viber being a significant target. The Cybercrime Subdivision has issued a warning, urging the public to exercise extreme caution and providing steps to protect against hijacking, including enabling two-factor authentication, reviewing connected devices, updating personal information, and practicing good password hygiene.
What are the steps to protect against social media account hijacking?
To protect against social media account hijacking:
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
2. Regularly review and remove unfamiliar connected devices.
3. Update your email and phone number on all platforms.
4. Practice good password hygiene by changing passwords frequently and using complex combinations.
In recent times, there’s been an alarming increase in the incidents of account hijacking across various social media platforms, with Viber being a significant target. The concern has reached such a level that the Cybercrime Subdivision has issued a warning to the general public. This article aims to shed light on the tactics used by cybercriminals and provides actionable steps to safeguard your online presence.
The Viber Hijacking Technique
Recognizing the Scam
The method that has been identified involves a seemingly benign request. A user receives a message on Viber from an acquaintance. This message states that the acquaintance will send a code and asks the recipient to share it back with them. However, this is where the trap lies.
The Underlying Deception
The code mentioned is, in fact, related to the recipient’s Viber account. The catch? The person sending the request is operating from an account already compromised. Unbeknownst to them, victims are tricked into providing attackers with access to their own Viber accounts.
Public Advisory: Vigilance is Key
The Cybercrime Subdivision urges the public to exercise extreme caution. If you receive any messages asking for codes or any personal information, it’s critical not to share it. These requests are often the first sign of an attempted hijacking.
Proactive Measures to Secure Your Accounts
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password. By enabling 2FA, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Regularly Review Connected Devices
Keeping track of the devices that have access to your social media accounts is a good security practice. If you notice any unfamiliar devices, remove them immediately.
Update Personal Information
It’s crucial to ensure that the email and phone number linked to platforms like Facebook and Instagram are current. If you’ve lost access to any of the contact information on file, remove or update it as soon as possible.
Password Hygiene
Frequently changing your passwords and ensuring they are complex—with a mix of symbols, numbers, and letters—is a vital security measure. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
Resources and Further Information
For those interested in learning more about this and other security concerns, the Cybercrime Subdivision’s official website, www.cyberalert.cy, offers a wealth of resources. Here, you can find timely announcements and detailed guides on enhancing the security settings for your digital accounts.
Remember, staying informed and adopting these security measures are the most effective ways to protect yourself in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
In simple terms, there has been a big increase in people’s social media accounts being taken over by hackers, especially on the messaging app Viber. The police have warned everyone to be very careful and have given some advice on how to protect yourself from this happening to you. The hackers have been tricking people by sending them a message asking for a code and saying it is from someone they know. But actually, the code is for the person’s own Viber account, and the hacker is pretending to be their friend. The police say that if anyone asks you for a code or personal information, you should not give it to them because it is probably a hacker trying to take over your account. They also give some steps you can take to make it harder for hackers to get into your account, like using two-factor authentication, checking which devices are connected to your account, updating your personal information, and using strong passwords. They also give a website where you can find more information about how to stay safe online.