CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AMONG SOCIAL MEDIA USERS: RISKS, PRACTICES, AND SOLUTIONS

AUTHOR– PRAKHAR TIWARI* & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH*

* STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH

** PROFESSOR AT AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH

BEST CITATION – PRAKHAR TIWARI & DR. ARVIND KUMAR SINGH, CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AMONG SOCIAL MEDIA USERS: RISKS, PRACTICES, AND SOLUTIONS, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1463-1473, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

In today’s digital era, social media platforms have altered how people interact, network, and do business. These platforms facilitate effortless global communication, presenting substantial opportunities for personal relationships, career advancement, and the sharing of information. Nevertheless, the swift growth of digital spaces has also brought about a new array of dangers, with cybersecurity threats emerging as a significant worry for social media users around the globe. The pervasive presence of social media implies that millions of users, ranging from casual participants to major organizations, depend heavily on these platforms for personal and professional needs. Consequently, the chances of cybersecurity incidents and attacks have surged dramatically, creating serious threats to users’ privacy, security, and overall digital health.

Among the primary dangers encountered by social media users are data breaches, identity theft, phishing scams, and social engineering attacks. Data breaches entail unauthorized access to or leakage of sensitive personal information, frequently leading to severe outcomes like financial loss or harm to reputation. Identity theft, a particularly malicious category of cybercrime, occurs when someone’s personal information is compromised and exploited to impersonate them, typically resulting in fraudulent behaviors. Phishing scams and social engineering techniques are also prevalent on social media platforms, where cybercriminals deploy misleading approaches to coerce users into revealing sensitive information, including passwords, credit card details, and login credentials.

The growing incorporation of social media into both personal and professional spheres heightens the significance of cybersecurity awareness. Although many users acknowledge the importance of digital security, a considerable segment of the global social media user base remains oblivious to the dangers linked to their online activities. This lack of cybersecurity knowledge could leave both individuals and entities exposed to various cyberattacks. For instance, ignorance about the hazards of oversharing personal details, neglecting to use strong or unique passwords, and failing to activate basic privacy configurations can dramatically increase the chance of succumbing to these cyber threats.

This research paper explores the existing level of cybersecurity awareness among social media users. It investigates the most frequent cybersecurity threats users encounter and the behaviours that lead to security vulnerabilities. Through this investigation, the paper highlights critical areas where cybersecurity literacy is deficient, such as understanding phishing tactics or the implications of data privacy settings. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the efficacy of current security measures and features offered by social media platforms, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) and data encryption, which are designed to safeguard users against cyber risks.

To tackle these challenges, the paper presents a series of practical recommendations intended to enhance cybersecurity awareness among social media users. These suggestions involve the adoption of advanced authentication techniques, like two-factor authentication (2FA), to minimize unauthorized entry to accounts. User education initiatives are also vital in boosting awareness regarding the potential dangers and instructing users on how to safeguard themselves online. Moreover, regulatory measures that hold social media companies responsible for their data security practices need to be reinforced to guarantee that platforms prioritize user safety. Technological advancements, including artificial intelligence-based security features and automated fraud detection systems, can additionally strengthen the protection of social media users.

Ultimately, promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness is crucial for reducing the risks linked to social media. By providing individuals with the knowledge and resources to navigate the digital space securely, the chances of cyberattacks can be decreased. This, in consequence, will safeguard sensitive personal and professional information from harmful actors and improve the overall security and reliability of social media platforms.

KEYWORDS Cybersecurity, Social Media, Cyber Hygiene, Phishing, Identity Theft, Awareness Campaigns