Now more than ever, the Internet’s safety has been called into question. There have been major reports on severe Internet hackings. Examples of such newsworthy hackings include presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton’s personal emails, and Wiki Leaks. However, the list continues on. Target’s electronic security system was hacked not too long ago leaving millions of consumers scared and confused.

According to Google’s most recent transparency report, the world wide web is the most secure it has ever been. Websites and media platforms are keeping up with the hackers by creating encrypted connections that have been making it next to impossible for hackers to break through the codes.

 

While all this information is calming, it still bears the question: are we safe? If one of the most powerful women in the United States can fall victim to hackers, why can’t we? Consequently, how does this hacking-fear affect the rest of the world? Social media is essentially a way for you to completely expose yourself to hackers.

Anti-Social Social Media

For example, in order to create a Facebook user account, you must follow a few quick and easy steps. Once you have turned over your full name, part of building your profile will include selecting topics and interests you may have. Logging into Facebook may even entail joining a few groups when you first arrive to the site. Facebook goes so far as to let you know whom you may even want to be friends with. By the time you have successfully completed your login, the Internet most likely knows more about you than your next-door neighbor.

Although Google has assured the public of their fight against hacking as well as the safety of the Internet, many people are skeptical. Many social media applications have taken efforts to ensure their security, similarly to Google. They must do so in order to retain usage and continue retrieving more users.