What role does social media play in cybersecurity threats?

Social media plays a significant role in cybersecurity threats primarily by providing attackers with a wealth of personal information about individuals. Users often share extensive details about their lives, including locations, relationships, and preferences, which can be exploited by cybercriminals. This personal information can be used to craft targeted phishing attacks, where attackers impersonate trusted sources to deceive users into revealing sensitive data. Additionally, the prevalence of oversharing on social media can lead to identity theft and other forms of online fraud, making it a critical area of concern in the realm of cybersecurity.

While social media is also used for awareness campaigns and can contribute positively to user education, the focus on the vulnerability created by shared personal data highlights how it can be a vector for threats. The other options don't address the direct impact that social media has as a tool for exploitation in cyberattacks, which underscores the relevance of understanding its role in the cybersecurity landscape.