Social media and messaging apps have become part of our daily routine — we check them in the morning, use them for work conversations, and scroll through them at night. Recently, we were reading some guidance on social media security and thought it was worth sharing, because it highlights something many people don’t realise: the biggest risks often come from very normal, everyday use.
This isn’t about avoiding social media altogether. It’s about understanding how small, harmless-looking actions can sometimes lead to bigger problems — for individuals and for businesses.
When “Normal Sharing” Becomes Useful to Attackers
Think about a simple LinkedIn post:
“Great team meeting today at our Brisbane office. Big project kicking off next week!”
On its own, there’s nothing wrong with that. But when combined with other public information — job roles, email formats, office locations, or holiday photos — attackers can build a surprisingly detailed picture. This kind of information is often used to craft very convincing phishing emails or messages, because they sound familiar and relevant.
The same applies to messaging apps. A casual photo shared in a group chat might include:
-A whiteboard with project names
-A computer screen in the background
-Location data embedded in the image
Individually, these seem harmless. Together, they can reveal more than intended.
Data Collection: What Apps See Beyond Messages
Most social media and messaging apps collect more than just what you type or upload. Depending on the app and its settings, this can include device information, usage patterns, and metadata such as when and where you’re active.
For example, installing a new app and quickly tapping “Allow” on every permission request might give it access to your contacts, location, camera, or microphone — even if those features aren’t essential to what the app does. Over time, this data can be stored, analysed, or shared according to policies that change more often than most people realise.
In some cases, data may be stored overseas, which means Australian privacy protections may not always apply in the way users expect.
Real-World Impacts: More Than Just Embarrassment
Social media is one of the first places attackers look when trying to impersonate someone or commit fraud.
For example:
-A scammer studies a person’s profile and sends a message pretending to be a colleague or supplier
-An attacker uses publicly available information to reset accounts or answer security questions
-Personal details are used to pressure or trick someone into approving a payment or sharing access
Even accurate information can be misused if it’s taken out of context or combined with other data. And once something is shared publicly, it’s very difficult to fully take back.
What This Means for Businesses
For businesses, social media accounts should be treated like any other business system — not just a marketing tool.
A common scenario we see is when:
-Multiple staff have access to a company’s social media account
-Someone leaves the organisation, but access isn’t removed
-No one is quite sure who still has login details
Without clear ownership, training, and processes, a compromised social media account can quickly turn into reputational damage or customer trust issues. Having simple rules about who can post, what can be shared, and how to respond to mistakes makes a big difference.
Personal Use: Small Habits That Reduce Risk
On a personal level, a few simple habits go a long way:
-Be selective about connection requests from people you don’t know
-Think twice before sharing details about work, travel, or routines
–Review privacy settings from time to time — especially after app updates
-Be cautious with links or attachments sent via social media or messaging apps
If something feels slightly off, it’s worth pausing before clicking or replying.
Securing Accounts and Mobile Apps
Strong account security matters whether the account is personal or work-related. Using multi-factor authentication, unique passwords, and trusted devices helps reduce the risk of account takeover. It’s also important to log out on shared devices and close accounts that are no longer used.
Mobile apps deserve extra attention. Installing apps only from trusted stores, keeping devices updated, and reviewing app permissions after updates can prevent unnecessary exposure. If an app asks for access that doesn’t make sense for what it does, that’s a good sign to stop and reconsider.
A CSB Perspective
At CSB, we often say that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology — it’s about everyday behaviour in a digital world. Social media and messaging apps are powerful tools, but they also create opportunities for misuse when we’re not paying attention.
Understanding the risks doesn’t mean changing everything you do. It simply means being a little more deliberate about what you share, where you share it, and who can see it.