Social media hacking in the UAE: practical advice for businesses

In today's digital era, social media platforms are not just for entertainment – they are crucial for business operations, branding, and customer engagement. However, this reliance also makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The UAE has taken significant steps to combat cybercrimes, including social media hacking. Here’s some practical advice for businesses on how to respond if their social media accounts are hacked and the preventive measures you can take to boost security.

Immediate steps to take if your social media account is hacked:

Report the hack

First and foremost, report the hacking incident to the social media platform using their official reporting mechanisms. This process might be slow, but it's essential to start it immediately. 

Handle ransom demands wisely

If you receive a ransom demand, seek legal advice before making any decisions! Paying a ransom does not guarantee account recovery and may lead to further demands. Be cautious of account recovery services offered by various companies - always verify their credibility before engaging them.

Report to authorities

It is advisable to report the hacking to the local police. In Dubai in the UAE, you can report cybercrimes through the Dubai Police app. This step is essential for legal documentation and potential future action. If the hacker is identified, you can pursue civil damages for the harm caused and potential intellectual property infringement.

Preventive measures to enhance security:

Ability to communicate with customers and followers

Establish an ability to notify your customers and followers through alternative channels about a hack, warning them not to interact with the compromised account. In doing so, you can reassure your customers that you are taking steps to deal with the situation. If customer data is at risk, it is a good idea to take legal advice to understand your responsibilities.

Strengthen account security

Your first line of defence is robust account security. Use complex and unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication and any other enhanced security features offered by the platform for added protection. Ensure your software and security protocols are up to date to guard against the latest threats.

Regular monitoring and mitigation

Regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual behaviour. Utilise tools and services that help detect breaches early. Have a practical mitigation plan in place to respond swiftly to any compromise and minimise damage.

Educate your team and customers

Regularly educate employees and followers about the risks of hacking and phishing scams. Train employees on cybersecurity practices, including handling compromised accounts and the importance of password security.

Engage with the community and your customers

Join forums related to social media security for timely advice and shared experiences. Maintain an off-platform backup of your followers’ contact details so that you can still contact them if your account is hacked and you cannot access it. That will allow you to be transparent with your customers and followers about the situation when issues arise and keep them informed about the steps you're taking to resolve the issue.

Data protection and compliance

The misuse of personal or sensitive data by hackers can have severe legal repercussions. To mitigate the risk, businesses should be able to demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to protect data, such as implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and conducting regular training. Failing to comply with data protection laws can result in significant fines and damage to the business's reputation.

Regularly educate and train employees on data protection laws and best practices for maintaining data security. It is important to develop and enforce comprehensive data protection policies that include guidelines for secure data handling, and the immediate steps to be taken if your account is compromised - including who to contact, how to communicate with followers, and how to recover the account.

Key takeaways:

1. Report quickly

Timely reporting is crucial. Quickly report the hacking incident to the platform and authorities. Keep your followers informed through alternative channels to mitigate the risk of further damage. Handle ransom demands and recovery services with caution. Reporting to the police is essential for legal documentation and potential future action.

2. Enhance account security

Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep software updated. Diversify your social media presence to reduce reliance on a single platform. Educate your team and customers about cybersecurity risks. Regularly monitor account activity and engage with the community to mitigate risks.

By following these steps, businesses can better guard against the risk and manage the fallout from a hacked social media account, protect their digital presence, and maintain customer trust effectively.

For more insights, listen to Alexandra Lester, Dispute Resolution Partner, speaking on Dubai Eye 103.8’s The Agenda about social media hacking.

Get in touch with Alexandra Lester or Damian Wright for further advice on safeguarding your social media accounts, resolving issues when they do arise, and ensuring compliance with the latest data and cybersecurity regulations in the UAE.