Abstract

Social media platforms are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks such as phishing, malware, identity theft, data scraping, and social engineering. These risks stem from technical flaws and risky user behaviors, including poor password management, over-disclosure of personal information, and habitual disregard for security measures. Additionally, psychological factors like security fatigue, privacy resignation, and habituation to security warnings contribute to these challenges, elevating the perceived cost of secure behavior over the risks of data breaches. This assessment explores these vulnerabilities while advocating for a multifaceted approach to enhance cybersecurity awareness on social media. Such an approach includes educational initiatives, technical interventions, and the cultivation of user responsibility to promote secure practices and strengthen trust across these platforms.