PROJECT: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SAFEGUARDING YOUR FACEBOOK PROFILE
- isabels39
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
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All Social Media Users Are Vulnerable — The Threat Is Real
No matter your age, occupation, or how careful you think you are, if you are on social media, you are a potential target.
An estimated 429 million social media accounts have already been compromised this year,
with projections rising to 580 million by year-end, marking a 34% increase over 2024.
Facebook represents around 27% of these incidents.
There were three major data breaches between 2018 and 2021, affecting between 30–50 million accounts in one instance, and approximately 533 million users in another, exposing names, phone numbers, and in some cases, email addresses.
More recent incidents include massive credential leaks: a dataset containing over 16 billion usernames and passwords across platforms, including Facebook, surfaced in June 2025.
Some 1.4 billion social media accounts may be compromised monthly.
Financial losses from social media cybercrimes are estimated at $3.25 billion annually,
with over a quarter of victimised users suffering direct monetary harm.
TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION:
ALERTS ABOUT UNRECOGNISED LOGINS:
LOCK YOUR PROFILE:
CHANGE FROM PUBLIC INFO TO PRIVATE INFO:
FACEBOOK POSTS:
Be careful not to leak any personal information online: personal cell number, house address, ID number, full name, driver's license number, bank account details, etc.
This type of information can be used to identify, track, or exploit you, especially by individuals with malicious intent.
SHARING PHOTOS:
The type of photos you post online can have serious, long-term consequences.
Even a seemingly harmless photo—such as you and your friends at a party—can be misused:
Someone can edit or alter the image using photo manipulation software.
False and damaging narratives can be spread with the photo attached.
Once it's shared, you lose control over where it goes and how it's interpreted.
It can impact your reputation, education, job prospects, and personal safety.
Protect yourself:
Only share images with people you trust.
Avoid posting private or personal content on public platforms.
Use strict privacy settings.
Always ask yourself: "Would I be okay if this photo ended up in the wrong hands?"
CHECK THE ACCOUNTS OF STRANGERS CONTACTING YOU:
Scammers often use fake profiles to trick people into revealing personal information or falling for scams.
This technique, known as social engineering, remains one of the most effective methods used by criminals today.
Before you engage with someone you don’t know online (especially on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp), ask yourself:
Do I know this person?
Have we met before?
Who do they know in my circle?
How did they find my account?
Be cautious of:
Profiles with very few photos or friends.
Poor spelling/grammar in messages.
People who ask for personal info too soon.
Sudden emotional or romantic approaches.
Urgent requests for help or money.
Stay Safe:
Do not accept friend requests from strangers.
Ask direct questions to verify their identity.
Report and block suspicious profiles.
Never share private details unless you are sure of who you are speaking to.
IF A FRIEND/ACQUAINTANCE ASKS AN UNEXPECTED QUESTION/ A QUESTION OUT OF THE ORDINARY:
Even if you have known someone for a long time, never assume a message is genuinely from them, especially if it seems out of character.
If you receive a message on Facebook Messenger that:
Does not sound like them.
Contains strange language or tone.
Asks for money, personal info, or urgent help.
Pause and verify:
Call them directly or send a message via WhatsApp or SMS to confirm it is really them.
People have communication habits. If something feels off, it probably is.
If you suspect a hacked account:
Alert the person immediately via a different platform.
Do not click on any links or provide sensitive information.
Report the suspicious account to the platform.
Scammers, hackers, and cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to steal identities, hijack accounts,
spread misinformation, or exploit personal content. Even private accounts are not immune.
One mistake—clicking a malicious link, sharing too much, or trusting the wrong person—can lead to serious consequences. Fake profiles, phishing messages, and data breaches affect millions every month.
Stay alert. Protect your privacy. Think before you click.
This is not just an IT issue — it is a personal safety issue.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
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