In today’s digital age, social media platforms serve as valuable tools for museums to engage with their audience, promote exhibitions, and share educational content. However, with any use of social media comes the risk of phishing attacks or security breaches and the need for effective moderation to maintain a safe and positive online environment. This guide provides an overview of best practices for museums to mitigate these risks and ensure the security and integrity of their social media presence.

Security Measures

Implementing security measures on all devices and platforms is imperative to creating a safer work environment.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all social media accounts associated with the museum to add an extra layer of security and prevent unauthorized access.
• Regularly review and update account passwords, using strong, unique passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Monitor account activity for any signs of unauthorized access or suspicious behavior, such as unexpected changes to account settings or unauthorized posts.
• Utilize social media management tools with built-in security features to help monitor and manage multiple accounts securely.

Content Moderation

Establish clear guidelines and policies for content moderation on social media platforms, including guidelines for acceptable behavior, language, and content.

• Assign trained staff members to monitor and moderate comments, messages, and posts on social media platforms to ensure compliance with the museum’s guidelines and policies.
• Develop protocols for responding to inappropriate or offensive content, including the removal of offensive comments or posts and the implementation of user bans or blocks when necessary.
• Regularly review and update moderation policies and guidelines based on evolving social media trends and community feedback.

Crisis Management

Develop a comprehensive crisis management plan that outlines procedures for responding to security breaches, phishing attacks, or other social-media-related emergencies.

• Designate specific staff members or teams responsible for managing and responding to social media crises, including communication with affected individuals, stakeholders, and the public.
• Establish communication channels and protocols for notifying relevant stakeholders, such as internal staff, board members, and external partners, about security incidents or breaches.

Scam Monitoring

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. For museum staff, staying informed about the latest scams is crucial for protection. Here’s how:

• Subscribe to cybersecurity blogs, newsletters, and social media accounts that regularly report on the latest social media scams.
• Hold frequent staff meetings to discuss recent scam trends. Share examples and discuss how to identify and handle them.
• Set up Google Alerts or similar services for terms like “museum scam” or “museum cybersecurity.” This can help you stay updated on new scams targeting museums.
• Maintain open lines of communication with other museums. Sharing information about encountered scams can help the entire community stay safe.
• Use social media monitoring tools to keep an eye on mentions of your museum. This can help identify potential scam attempts early.
• You can stay informed about the latest social media scams through a variety of sources, such as (list not exhaustive):
  • Better Business Bureau frequently advises on the latest scams (See, for example, this article for a common 2023-2024 scam
  • Tips shared by Meta
  • Malwarebytes also advises on common scams
• Further reading for particular platforms:
  • Facebook scam fact check
  • Fake emails from X
  • How to Spot and Avoid Common LinkedIn Scams

By implementing these best practices, museums can help protect their social media accounts from phishing attacks, security breaches, and inappropriate content while maintaining a safe and positive online environment for their audience.