Cybersecurity and personal information exposure on social networks: a study on risks and threats to women

Abstract

Nowadays, personal information is more exposed on the internet due to the widespread use of social networks and digital platforms, which offer various benefits by facilitating interaction and the dissemination of information and content. However, their use also entails risks to individuals' privacy and security, as sensitive information is often shared on personal profiles without full awareness of its implications. The lack of proper management of this data is a crucial factor in ensuring online security, especially within social networks.

This issue significantly affects women, as the continuous exposure of their images and personal data on social media, combined with challenges in cybersecurity education, makes them frequent targets of digital violence attacks.

This study focuses on generating statistics by assessing the level of exposure and security of women's personal information on social networks. It describes the digital threats and risks identified after reviewing specialized databases. Subsequently, data collection was conducted on privacy, personal information security, and cybersecurity in the use of social networks, using instruments such as interviews and surveys. The sample population consisted of women from the university and business sectors, with an average age of 30 years.

Finally, after analyzing the collected data, strategies and controls were proposed to mitigate latent threats and risks in social networks. Additionally, the study's conclusions highlight the need to raise awareness and provide effective training on the digital risks that women face in these environments. It was found that 87% of the surveyed participants use social networks daily, emphasizing the urgency of promoting a safer and more responsible use of these platforms to reduce their vulnerability.