Facebook is used by billions of people around the world to connect with friends and family. However, there are risks associated with using the platform that users should be aware of. Poor privacy settings, insecure apps, and scams are some of the main security threats on Facebook. This article provides an overview of the dangers of using Facebook and offers best practices to help users protect their accounts and personal information.
Facebook has faced scrutiny over its handling of user data and privacy controls. High profile incidents like Cambridge Analytica have undermined trust in the platform’s security. While Facebook has taken steps to improve privacy safeguards, users ultimately bear responsibility for securing their accounts. Following basic security hygiene like using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication is critical.
This article outlines key Facebook threats and provides actionable tips to boost account security. With vigilance and the right precautions, users can enjoy connecting on Facebook while minimizing risks.
Strong Password
The most important thing you can do to keep your Facebook account secure is to use a long, complex password that would be difficult for hackers to guess. Security experts recommend passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (ECCU, Walden University). Longer passwords with a mix of character types are exponentially more difficult for computers to crack through brute force attacks.
Avoid using common words, names, or dates in your password as these can be easily guessed. You should also not reuse passwords across multiple sites, as a breach on one site puts all your accounts at risk. Using a unique, complex password is one of the simplest yet most important steps you can take to keep your Facebook profile secure.
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password by requiring two different forms of authentication when logging in (Investopedia, 2022). This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they manage to steal your password.
Two-factor authentication typically works by combining something you know (like a password) with something you have (like an authentication code from an app on your phone). So after entering your password, Facebook will prompt you to enter a special login code generated by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy (Avast, 2022). This time-based code refreshes every 30 seconds, so even if hackers steal the code they won’t be able to reuse it later to break in.
Overall, two-factor authentication significantly increases account security by requiring that extra authentication step. It’s one of the most important things you can do to lock down your Facebook profile against hackers.
Review Privacy Settings
One of the most important aspects of Facebook security is controlling your privacy settings. Your privacy settings determine who can see your posts, photos, videos, stories, and more. It’s important to review and adjust these settings to limit access to your profile and content.
Go to “Settings & Privacy” then “Settings” and select “Privacy.” Under “Privacy Settings,” you can control things like who can see your future posts, who can look you up using your phone number or email address, who can see your friends list, and more. For maximum security, it’s best to limit these settings to “Friends Only.” This prevents random people from accessing your profile and content.
You can also use Facebook’s privacy tools to manage past posts. The “Limit Past Posts” tool lets you change the audience for previous posts to “Friends Only” with just a few clicks. And the “View As” tool shows you what your profile looks like to other people, so you can adjust privacy settings accordingly.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your privacy settings is crucial for staying safe on Facebook. Take the time to control who can see what you share.
Limit Personal Info
One of the most important aspects of staying safe on Facebook is being careful about how much personal information you share. Oversharing personal details on social media can put your privacy and safety at risk (The dangers of oversharing).
Avoid posting your full name, birthdate, home address, phone number, or other identifying details. Also be cautious about revealing your current location or posting schedules and routines. This information could allow strangers to locate you or determine times when you are alone or away from home (How oversharing on social media could put your personal information at risk).
Likewise, limit sharing details about family members, especially children, that could identify or locate them. Never post financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords. It’s safest to keep all sensitive personal information private.
Stick to sharing only necessary personal details and don’t overshare in Facebook posts, comments, or messages. Adjust your privacy settings appropriately and be selective about accepting friend requests to protect your info. Limiting how much you reveal will help safeguard your identity and prevent misuse of your details.
Watch Friend Requests
One way scammers try to access your personal information is by sending you fake friend requests. Be cautious when receiving friend requests from people you don’t know. According to the FTC, scammers are using social media to target your money and information. Accepting these requests gives scammers access to your profile and posts.
Carefully vet all friend requests, even from people you may have mutual friends with. Scammers create fake profiles that appear legitimate in order to trick you. Look for signs of a fake account, like a lack of posts or recent account creation. You can also try searching for the person’s name online or reaching out to mutual connections. Decline requests that seem suspicious or that you can’t verify.
While it may seem harmless to accept a request just to see what happens, it’s safest to ignore and delete requests from people you don’t know. Be wary of engaging with suspicious accounts at all, as even responding can put your information at risk.
Use Extra Privacy Features
Facebook provides some additional privacy features you can enable for extra protection. One useful option is trusted contacts – you can designate specific friends who can help if you get locked out of your account (https://www.facebook.com/help/171750783172187).
You can also turn on Login Approvals, which requires you to enter a code sent to your phone whenever someone tries logging into your account from an unrecognized device (https://www.facebook.com/help/210242120707027). Additionally, activating Login Alerts will notify you whenever someone logs into your account from a new location.
For minors, Facebook has special protections like defaulting teens into more private settings. Parents can also supervise Facebook activity through the Parent Dashboard feature.
Enabling these extra precautions provides additional safeguards around your account access and security on Facebook.
Beware of Scams
Facebook’s enormous user base unfortunately makes it a target for scammers and phishing attempts. According to The 11 Latest Facebook Scams You Didn’t Know About …, the most common Facebook scams include fake friend requests, fake charities, fake job offers, fake giveaways, and more. Scammers will often impersonate real people or organizations in an attempt to gain access to your personal information or money.
Be very wary of any friend requests from people you don’t know, even if you have some friends in common. Decline invitations for money-making opportunities or free giveaways that seem too good to be true, as they usually are. Watch out for fake news and clickbait designed to mislead you and don’t enter your login credentials on any third-party sites.
According to Facebook’s Avoiding scams on Facebook, you should be skeptical of any requests for money or login information. Report suspicious profiles or posts so Facebook can disable scammer accounts. Turn on login alerts and notifications to stay aware of any unusual activity.
Install Security Software
One of the best ways to stay safe on Facebook is to install security software like antivirus programs and VPNs (virtual private networks). Antivirus software scans your device for malware, viruses, and other threats that could put your data at risk. Some top antivirus options include Norton, Avast, and Bitdefender.
VPN services also add an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This prevents hackers from accessing your data and locating you. When choosing a VPN for Facebook, look for providers that offer robust security features, fast speeds, and servers located around the world.
In addition to security software, make sure your operating system and web browser are always updated with the latest patches. Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Conclusion
To summarize, the safest way to use Facebook involves taking steps to secure your account, control your privacy settings, be wary of scams and suspicious activity, and use protective software and features. Some key takeaways include:
- Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
- Frequently review and limit your privacy and audience settings.
- Exercise caution with friend requests and be skeptical of unusual messages or activity.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links, even from friends.
- Install reputable security software and use tools like login approvals.
- Keep personal information limited and beware of oversharing.
By following security best practices, users can enjoy Facebook while minimizing risks. Stay vigilant and proactive about account safety.