Graduate research

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3

Discussion

 Social media has become an integral part of society become it connects people across the world through the internet. As a result, the issue of network security has become a challenge to most social media users (Saravanakumar et al., 2015). Therefore, there is a need for a policy framework to regulate and protect users against network threats such as viruses. A study by Mathias and Suma (2018) and another research by Ashetakr et al. (2019) established a lack of awareness about internet security among social media users in India. The data collected showed that most social media users share their personal information without considering their actions' possible risks and consequences. Mathias and Suma (2018) further found that although most government institutions use social media for formal communication, they are at risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. Bhosale and Bhange (2021) argued that social media is an important communication tool, but it is used as an avenue to spread propaganda, hate speech, misinformation, and all sorts of social vices. The social vices lead to social unrest and social violence.

Evidence-Based Recommendation

Social media platforms contain large amounts of user data. Therefore, most cybercriminals target various social media sites to perform crimes such as phishing, malware, and other cyber-attacks (Saravanakumar et al., 2015). Ashetakr et al. (2019) underscore the importance of educating social media users on how to protect their social media accounts against the currents forms of cyber-attacks. The study further recommends that the government enact a policy framework to protect individual and institutional networks against cyber-attacks. The policy should provide harsh punishment to cybercriminals. On the other hand, Bhosale and Bhange (2021) argued that the issue of social media and network security is an evolving problem that does not have a simple solution. Social media cyber security requires a multidisciplinary approach where various stakeholders, such as social media owners, researchers, government, and end users, come together to formulate appropriate policies and regulations.

Social media user behaviors are key to ensuring network security. Uninformed social media share sensitive information such as login credentials, financial information, and personal details. According to Saravanakumar et al., (2015) cybercriminals target such information online. Therefore, one of the most effective strategies is creating awareness of network security among users (Ashetakr et al., 2019). Both social media company owners and government institutions should ensure users are well informed about the importance of network security and keeping the information secure. There is a need for the proper regulation of social media to ensure that they are not used as an avenue for spreading harmful content. Some of the content shared on social media pose a national security concern. Therefore, the government should enact policies to stipulate the type of content one is allowed to share (Bhosale & Bhange, 2021). Although significant steps have been taken to safeguard social media users against network security, there is still a need for more regulations.

References

Ashetakr, R., Mahalle, P. & Shinde, G. (2019). 5. Users’ privacy at online social networks in Indian context: comprehensive multiaged group survey and discussion. The Internet of Everything: Advances, Challenges and Applications (pp. 95-108). https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110628517-006

Bhosale, D. V. & Bhange, C. B. (2021). Understanding Social Media Tools, Impact over National Security - A Literature Review. Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Science 9 (6) 33-38. https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol9-issue6/Ser-2/F09063338.pdf

Mathias, D. A. P. & Suma, B. (2018). A Survey On Social Networking And Awareness About Related Cyber Threats Among Youth In Government Institutions Of India And An Attempt To Educate Them . International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET). https://www.irjet.net/archives/V5/i11/IRJET-V5I11273.pdf

Saravanakumar, K., Kumar, S. & Deepa, K. (2015). On Privacy and Security in Social Media – A Comprehensive Study. Procedia Computer Science 78 (114 – 119). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2016.02.019