Scroll Smart: Protecting Yourself from Social Media Cyber Threats – A Guide for Kenyan Students

It was a typical afternoon for John, a student at one of Kenya’s leading universities. He was scrolling through social media, checking out posts from friends, trending memes, and the latest news. Suddenly, a message popped up—someone claiming to be an old classmate. They asked for help with an urgent issue and shared a link. Without much thought, John clicked it.

Within minutes, his phone slowed down, and strange charges started appearing on his mobile wallet. What John didn’t know was that he had fallen victim to a phishing scam, where cybercriminals use social media to lure victims into revealing personal information. Sadly, John’s case is far from unique.

In an age where nearly everyone has a social media presence, students in Kenya are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. With over 11 million Kenyans using social media, according to DataReportal’s 2023 Digital Kenya Report, social platforms have become a hunting ground for hackers.

But how can students stay safe in this ever-growing digital space?

Let’s dive into the top threats and essential tips on how you can protect yourself.

1. Phishing: Don’t Take the Bait

Cybercriminals are getting creative, and social media has become one of their favourite tools. Phishing, where hackers pretend to be someone you know to trick you into clicking malicious links, is on the rise. According to a 2022 Serianu report, phishing attacks accounted for nearly 35% of all cyber incidents in Kenya.

Hackers may pose as friends, influencers, or even university staff, asking for sensitive information or access to your accounts.

Tip: Always double-check the authenticity of messages, even if they seem to come from someone you know. Don’t click on links from unknown or unverified sources. If something seems off, it probably is.

2. Identity Theft: Your Profile, Their Playground

You’d be surprised how much someone can learn about you from your social media profile—your birthday, school, hobbies, and even your location. Hackers can use this information for identity theft, creating fake profiles to scam others or access your accounts.

45% of Kenyans surveyed in a 2023 study by Serianu admitted they had experienced or knew someone who had faced identity theft.

Tip: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media. Use privacy settings to control who sees your posts and regularly audit your friends list to ensure you know who has access to your content.

3. Malicious Apps: Beware of What You Install

You’ve probably come across fun quizzes or “What kind of animal are you?” personality tests on social media. These may seem harmless, but some of them are actually malicious apps designed to harvest your data.

According to a 2023 report by the Communications Authority of Kenya, 28% of cyber threats were linked to malicious apps, with social media platforms being a common entry point.

Tip: Avoid installing unknown apps or taking part in quizzes that ask for excessive access to your account information. Always read the permissions an app requests before installing it.

4. Public Wi-Fi: A Hacker’s Paradise

Free Wi-Fi at your local café or campus might seem convenient for scrolling through Instagram, but it’s also an easy target for cybercriminals. When you connect to an unsecured network, hackers can intercept your social media login details or other sensitive information.

A 2022 study by Serianu found that over 60% of Kenyan students connect to public Wi-Fi without considering the risks.

Tip: Avoid logging into your social media accounts or entering personal details when using public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data.

5. Fake Accounts: Not Everyone Is Who They Seem

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish real from fake on social media. Cybercriminals often create fake accounts that resemble popular brands or influencers, luring students into scams, fake giveaways, or investment fraud.

According to the Kenya Cybercrime Report 2023, fake accounts were linked to 30% of reported online fraud cases.

Tip: Before engaging with an account that offers deals or giveaways, verify its authenticity. Look for the verification badge and check the account’s history. Be wary of any account that requests money or personal information.

6. Oversharing: A Hacker’s Window into Your Life

Sharing your every move on social media might seem fun, but it also gives hackers an inside view into your life. They can use this information to guess your passwords, security questions, or even plan a targeted attack.

Imagine announcing on Facebook that you're heading out for a weekend trip. You've just told a potential hacker that your home is unoccupied and you're likely not monitoring your accounts.

Tip: Be mindful of what you share. Avoid posting your location in real-time and steer clear of sharing personal milestones like your birthday or address on public platforms.

7. Password Security: Don’t Let Hackers In

You might be surprised at how many students reuse the same password across multiple social media accounts. If one account is compromised, all your other accounts become vulnerable too.

A recent survey by Serianu showed that 42% of Kenyan students use weak or easily guessable passwords, making them easy targets for hackers.

Tip: Use strong, unique passwords for each of your social media accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, and always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.

8. Cyberbullying: The Dark Side of Social Media

While not a direct cyber threat, cyberbullying is a growing concern for Kenyan students. In 2022, 39% of Kenyan students reported experiencing or witnessing online harassment. Beyond the emotional toll, cyberbullying can lead to compromised mental health and even data breaches if sensitive information is shared or exposed.

Tip: Report and block any accounts that engage in harassment or cyberbullying. Never respond to offensive messages, as this can escalate the situation.

Conclusion: Protect Your Digital Life

Social media is a powerful tool for students—it connects us, helps with academic collaboration, and keeps us informed. But with great power comes great responsibility. As cyber threats continue to rise in Kenya, staying vigilant and practising good cybersecurity hygiene on social media is essential.

By following these tips—being cautious of phishing, limiting personal information, avoiding malicious apps, securing public Wi-Fi connections, recognizing fake accounts, practising password safety, and being mindful of oversharing—you can enjoy the benefits of social media without falling victim to cybercriminals.

Remember, every click matters. Stay smart, stay safe, and protect your digital life.

Stay smart, stay safe, and protect your digital life.

Cyber Hygiene Community