The Dark Side of Social Media: Cyber Threats, Phishing, and Identity Theft

  On August 30, 2025, I attended a webinar titled “The Dark Side of Social Media: Cyber Threats, Phishing, and Identity Theft” organized by Ethel Programming Computer Programming Services in partnership with DTI Philippines. The session was conducted online via Google Meet and was open to students, professionals, and anyone interested in learning about online safety. Like other events under EPCPS, this one was also free, and participants who completed the session received an e-certificate.

Mr. Chris Tongohan, an IT professional, delivered an insightful talk about the risks that come with our daily use of social media. While we often see social platforms as tools for connection and entertainment, the session highlighted the reality that they can also serve as gateways for cyber threats, phishing attacks, and identity theft.


Reflection and Learnings

I’ve always known about online scams, but the session explained how these attacks actually happen and why people still fall victim to them. Phishing isn’t just about fake emails it can also come in the form of fake login pages, suspicious links, or even well-crafted messages that look legitimate.Many of us don’t realize how much data we expose through our profiles, posts, or even casual comments. This information can easily be pieced together by cybercriminals for malicious purposes.

The part that stood out to me the most was the emphasis on cyber hygiene practices like creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating devices. This can make a big difference in protecting our online identity.

After this session, I’ve become more mindful of my own social media habits. I’ve started reviewing my privacy settings, avoiding random link clicks, and being more careful about what I post publicly. I also plan to share these tips with my family and friends since not everyone is aware of how sophisticated online threats have become.


Positive Feedback

The event was very well-prepared and delivered. Mr. Tongohan explained complex cybersecurity topics in a simple, relatable way that even non-technical participants could understand. The fact that the session was only an hour long but still packed with valuable insights showed how well-structured it was. The free e-certificate was also a nice touch that made participants feel recognized for their learning.

Closing Thoughts

The webinar was short but powerful. It made me reflect not only on how I use social media but also on how important it is to protect myself in today’s digital world. Cyber threats may not always be visible, but they are real, and being informed is the first step in staying safe.This session reminded me that while social media connects us to opportunities and communities, it’s equally important to stay alert and responsible in how we use it.


Photos during webinar:




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