Title of the Issue: Privacy and Security

Title of the Article: Students share their experiences with social media hackers
Source: The State News
Author: Julian Stainback
Summary Narrative:
On Thursday evening of March 2022, a girl named Lindsey Hyams was sitting on her bed and
was busy scrolling through her social media account and doing TikTok videos. Lindsey stopped
scrolling when she noticed a random text message. She was confused since she was not
expecting any messages from unknown senders. Slowly, she opens the message and reads it
carefully. Lindsey checked her TikTok account and was muddled because she cannot log in to
her account. She carefully inputs her username and password, but the system says it is invalid.
Her account was changed to another username she did not know, was blocked, and was banned
from using the app. She was devastated and mere helpless for it is the first she experienced being
hacked by an anonymous. Lindsey has over 7000 followers on TikTok and has been part of the
Platform’s Community since 2019. After finding out that her account was logged in by someone
from Florida, she immediately went to the TikTok app to investigate. After several times of
trying to save the account, a good Samaritan helped her and told her that if she could verify her
identity, she would be able to get her account back. A week after the hacking incident, Lindsey’s
account was reinstated. Due to what happened, Lindsey makes sure that her account was secured
and had a strong password. She also put a two-factor authentication to her account for double
security. Now, she is back at posting TikTok videos and creating content and was even offered to
be paid as an influencer, however, Lindsey did not take the offer. For her, being able to upload
video content was just mere fun for her.
What lesson have you learned:
Social media may be a fantastic tool for networking, making new friends, and preserving existing
ones. It's obvious that security is more important. Security is vital to survival, not just for people
but for every living thing. Privacy is unique to humans, but it's a social need. The concept of
online privacy and the potential implications of sharing private information with a range of
people: friends, the public, app providers, and more. Sharing information about ourselves can be
a natural and healthy activity, and it can lead to positive connections and personal growth.
However, it can also present safety risks, and we need to be aware of potentially harmful
consequences such as identity theft and financial exploitation. To help us see the importance of
being safe and secure when we are online, our lessons include real-life scenarios where private
information could potentially be shared, and where the benefits and risks are notable but not
sensationalized. From encountering clickbait to setting up passwords to messaging with people
online, the scenarios in our lessons provide an authentic context for grappling with the potential
dangers that come with spending time online. Through this, we conclude that we must always be
responsible and careful with our personal information and privacy for this relates to our rights.
We must control our personal information and how it is supposed to be used.
What suggestions can you offer:
Hackers and other online predators pose a threat to anyone who uses a computer or phone that is
linked to the Internet. These online baddies frequently employ phony websites, spam emails or
instant messages, and phishing scams to infect your gadget with harmful malware and jeopardize
your security. Recently, people have had to cope with impersonators and hackers. These
cybercriminals can access our accounts, spam our followers, and even transmit malware. Since
we are posting everything on social media, let us make sure that our account is secured and away
from possible hacking.
The advice or tips that are useful to secure your account and prevent being a victim of hackers
are provided below:
1. Make sure to regularly change and secure your password. Most accounts are
compromised because they use the same password or because it is insufficiently secure.
Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, such as ", to create a strong
password. It is advised that you update your password once every three months.
Passwords shouldn't be kept on your phone or in your notes because they are particularly
exposed if your phone is lost.
2. For your phone and laptop, download antivirus software. A lot of internet service
providers, or ISPs, offer security safeguards. You can purchase a variety of antivirus
programs but pick the one that best suits your needs. For your phone and computer, some
even have an antivirus.
3. Turn on the two-factor authentication on all social platforms. This could help lessen the
possible hacking since it needs your verification. So, if someone is trying to hack your
account, they cannot easily open it.
4. Check your authorized applications on any social media accounts, and revoke access to
any 3rd parties who have unauthorized access to your account.
5. Be vigilant when being asked to enter your password.
6. Avoid going to websites about piracy related to music, video, images, etc. Piracy-related
website pop-ups ups that lead to malware offers.

Submitted By:
 Donato, Iza Jay
 Antiola, Regina Carla
 Mirafuentes, Cligen
 Sarmiento, Mymeca
 Magsayo, Isabel
 Briones, Orlyn
 Permale, Diadem
 Hadji Jamel, Raihana
 Manosa, Dio Jay
 Abendan, Jemmark