Staying safe on social media
Whether you're using TikTok, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, Facebook or X, it's important to think critically about the people, content and information you encounter online. These tips can help you stay safe and protect your privacy.
Are you or someone you know in immediate danger?
If you are in immediate danger and are on campus contact Campus Safety and Prevention Services at 514-848-3717 – option 1.
If you are off campus call 911 or contact the police.
Be aware of what’s public
When was the last time you Googled yourself? Doing so regularly is a good way to see what kinds of information about you, or images and videos of you, are publicly available.
You can also set up a Google Alert for yourself so you’ll be notified whenever a new item about you is posted online.
Check your privacy settings
Most social media platforms allow you to control who can view your profile, posts and personal information. Review your privacy settings regularly, as platform features and options change over time.
Learn how to manage your privacy settings on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and X.
Don’t accept friend requests from strangers
To help protect your privacy and security, only connect with people you know and trust. Be cautious when accepting friend requests, follows or connection requests from unfamiliar accounts, as fake profiles and impersonation are common on social media.
This can help limit who can view your content, contact you or access personal information about you.
Be careful when you check-in or share your location
When checking in somewhere or sharing your location, be aware that you’re essentially sharing your whereabouts with everyone who has access to what you post. You’re announcing where you are to your friends, but also, potentially to strangers.
Review your tags
Some platforms, like Facebook, allow you to view posts you’re tagged in so you can decide if you want to share them or not.
Don’t share personal information online
Regardless of what platform you’re on, don’t share personal information like your phone number, home address, email address or student ID number. If you need to share that information, do it privately and make sure you know who you’re sharing it with and why they need the information.
Think before you post
Even with strong privacy settings, it's best to assume that anything you share online could be copied, screenshot, saved or shared beyond your intended audience. Before posting, ask yourself whether you'd be comfortable with your content being seen by friends, family, colleagues or future employers. Once something is shared online, it can be difficult to remove completely.
Be aware of phishing scams
Be mindful when giving out your phone number, email address and other personal information online because, because this makes you a potential target for phishing scams and texts, emails or other communication with malicious software attachments. Don’t open suspicious emails or other messages.
Don’t reply to them. Don’t click on links contained within the communication and don’t provide your phone number, email address or any other information on a web page you may be directed to.
Keep an eye on your passwords
We all have too many passwords but it’s important to ensure that all your passwords are different and as obscure as possible. A good password should contain a few capital letters, numbers and a symbol.
Don’t share your passwords and be sure to change them regularly. Also, make sure you have a password lock on your phone. Use apps like “Find My iPhone” to protect the data on your phone should it be lost or stolen. Always opt for two-way authentication whenever it’s available (i.e. when you need your username/password along with a piece of information that only you know, to log into a site).
Opt for email notifications for every log in. Check third-party apps regularly to see which has automatic access to your social media accounts. De-authorize ones you’re no longer using.
Read more: It’s time to update your password. These secure measures are essential defences against cyberattacks
Campus resources
Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC): offers support services to Concordia students, staff and faculty who have been affected by sexual violence.
Office of Rights & Responsibilities: offers impartial, confidential, and independent services to those with concerns about the behaviour of any member of the Concordia community. They base their work on a number of policies, most notably Concordia’s Code of Rights and Responsibilities. Do you feel that a member of the Concordia community has engaged in harassment, discrimination, physical violence or threats*? Please contact them to discuss a situation you have encountered or witnessed. *For sexual violence or sexual misconduct complaints, please contact the Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC) as a first step.
Otsenhákta Student Centre: a place where Indigenous students can receive assistance, support and find community.
The Black Perspectives Office (BPO): provides resources, support, and connects and advocates for Black perspectives, initiatives and scholarship at Concordia.
NouLa - Black Student Centre: provides programming, services, and resources for Black Concordia students to support success and wellbeing.
Campus Safety and Prevention Services 24/7 at 514-848-3717 option 1
Social media policies, terms and conditions
Be sure to familiarize yourself with these sites' respective policies and use the in-app tools for reporting questionable content that goes against community standards and guidelines.
Need help?
Contact socialmedia@concordia.ca.
