For creatives and social media influencers, being online is part of the job. Whether you're building your brand on Instagram, sharing your artwork on YouTube, or collaborating with brands, your online presence is everything. But with that exposure comes risk. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting influencers and creatives because their accounts hold valuable data—whether it’s followers, collaborations, or financial information.
If you’re working hard to grow your influence, now is the time to make sure your digital presence is secure. In this first post, we’ll cover the cybersecurity basics every creative and influencer needs to know.
Why Are Creatives and Influencers Targeted?
Cybercriminals know that influencers and creatives rely heavily on their online platforms. Accounts with large followings and brand collaborations are high-value targets, making them more attractive to hackers. Unfortunately, many influencers don’t realize just how vulnerable they are until it’s too late.
Here’s why you could be a target:
High Visibility: The bigger your following, the more attention your account gets from cybercriminals.
Valuable Data: Your accounts store important personal information, business contacts, and payment details that hackers can steal.
Weak Security Practices: Most influencers and creatives don’t take cybersecurity seriously until they’ve been compromised. This makes them an easy target.
The Most Common Cyber Threats for Creatives and Influencers
Let’s break down the most common types of attacks that target influencers and creatives:
Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a scam where attackers trick you into giving up sensitive information like your passwords or financial details. They often send emails pretending to be from a trusted source, like a brand you’ve worked with or a social media platform, asking you to “confirm your account” or “update your information.” Click on the link, and you’re taken to a fake site designed to steal your data.
Example: An influencer receives an email that looks like it’s from Instagram, asking them to verify their account to avoid suspension. In a panic, they click the link, enter their login details, and within hours, a hacker takes control of their profile.
Account Takeovers: This is one of the worst-case scenarios. Hackers use stolen credentials to take over your account, often locking you out completely. They might post inappropriate content, scam your followers, or demand money to give you back control.
Stat: According to a 2023 report by Proofpoint, account takeovers have surged by 20%, with social media platforms being a top target.
Ransomware and Malware: Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks you out of your devices or files until you pay a ransom. Influencers may receive a seemingly harmless file through email or direct message from a potential collaborator, only to find their devices infected.
Real-world example: In 2022, a YouTuber lost access to their channel after downloading a fake collaboration proposal containing ransomware. The hacker demanded thousands of dollars in exchange for releasing the channel.
Impersonation Scams: Sometimes, hackers create fake profiles pretending to be you. They’ll reach out to your followers, offer fake giveaways, or request personal information. These scams hurt your reputation and can lead to legal trouble if followers are tricked into handing over money or sensitive data.
Securing Your Social Media Accounts
The first step to staying safe online is securing your social media accounts. Here’s how you can start:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: It may sound obvious, but one of the most common mistakes influencers make is using weak or reused passwords. A password like “123456” or “password” isn’t going to cut it. Use a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane to create and store strong, unique passwords for every account.
Pro tip: Use passwords that are at least 12 characters long, combining upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring two forms of identification to log in. After entering your password, you’ll also need to enter a code sent to your phone or email. This means even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t access your account without the second factor.
Most major platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, offer 2FA options. Make sure to enable this feature in your account settings.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your social media accounts for any suspicious activity. Most platforms let you view login history, showing when and where your account was accessed. If you see anything unusual—like a login from a different country—change your password immediately.
Be Wary of Suspicious Emails or DMs: Always be cautious when receiving unexpected messages, especially those asking for sensitive information or offering collaborations that seem too good to be true. Verify the sender’s identity by contacting them through a trusted platform before clicking any links or providing information.
Conclusion
Influencers and creatives have become prime targets for cybercriminals. The value of your social media accounts makes it essential to secure them against common threats like phishing, account takeovers, and malware. Taking basic steps like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring your accounts can go a long way in protecting your brand and livelihood.
In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into advanced cybersecurity tools and strategies that can give you even greater control over your online security.
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