Discord Privacy and Security: Best Practices

As Discord continues to grow in popularity, it becomes an increasingly attractive target for security threats ranging from simple scams to sophisticated hacking attempts. Understanding and implementing strong privacy and security practices is essential for protecting both individual accounts and community servers.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most important security measure Discord users can implement. By requiring a second verification step beyond your password, 2FA prevents unauthorized access even if your password is compromised. Discord supports both authenticator apps and SMS verification, though authenticator apps are generally more secure.

Strong, unique passwords are your first line of defense. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Regularly updating your password, especially after potential security incidents, adds an additional layer of protection.

Server security requires careful attention to permission settings. Implement the principle of least privilege by giving users only the permissions they need for their role in the community. Regularly audit role permissions, especially administrative access, to ensure they remain appropriate as your server evolves.

Verification levels and moderation tools help protect servers from malicious actors. Setting an appropriate verification level based on your community's needs can prevent raid attacks, while tools like AutoMod can automatically filter harmful content. Third-party moderation bots can provide additional protection for larger communities.

Link scanning is crucial for preventing phishing and malware distribution. Be extremely cautious about clicking links, even from trusted friends whose accounts may have been compromised. Discord's built-in link scanning provides some protection, but additional vigilance is always necessary.

Privacy settings allow you to control who can contact you and how visible your activity is. Review these settings regularly, adjusting them based on your comfort level and specific needs. Remember that server-specific privacy settings may override your global preferences in some cases.