Social media is essential for connecting with customers and building your brand, but it’s also a prime target for cybercriminals. In fact, Australians lost over $58 million to social media scams in 2024, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre. A hacked account can damage your reputation, expose sensitive data, and even lead to financial loss.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) warns that businesses need to take proactive steps to protect their accounts. Here are the top 5 ways to secure your business social media accounts and keep your brand safe online.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
• Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• ACSC recommends using passphrases (a string of random words) for extra security.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step.
• All major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) support MFA—turn it on today.
• The Act Now, Stay Secure campaign highlights MFA as one of the simplest ways to prevent account takeovers.

3. Limit Access and Assign Roles

• Only give access to trusted staff and use role-based permissions (e.g., Facebook Business Manager).
• Remove access immediately when staff leave.
• This reduces the risk of accidental or malicious misuse.

4. Watch Out for Scams and Phishing

• Scammers often impersonate businesses or send fake login pages.
• Scamwatch reports that fake profiles and phishing links are common tactics used to hijack accounts.
• Train your team to verify links and never share credentials via email or DMs.

5. Monitor Account Activity and Privacy Settings

• Regularly review login history and connected apps.
• Check privacy settings every few months—platforms update them often.
• Remove old third-party apps that no longer need access.