Launched in 2004, formerly called “TheFacebook,” before rebranding to “Facebook” a year later, this social media giant set the pace that others have followed since. Now operating under Meta, the same multinational tech conglomerate that operates Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, among others, it is safe to say that this massive enterprise started with Facebook’s launch.
With new social media networks taking root worldwide, Facebook remains comfortably at the top of the list as the most used and popular, with over 3 billion active users; well over 30% of the world’s population uses Facebook. That many people mean there are going to be some bad eggs on the platform for the wrong reasons, necessitating this post.
The following are easy-to-follow tips to keep these no-do-gooders at bay:
1. Keep a Close Eye on Seniors
Seniors are just as curious about the world as the rest of us. They sometimes wonder what’s happening on the internet but might be unable to protect themselves properly from its ills. As a result, the onus falls on us to protect them from these dangers, and that includes them being able to use social media apps like Facebook without putting themselves or anybody else in danger.
Family members will commonly keep an eye on seniors who are active online on social media sites like Facebook. A great place to start is the utility of some Facebook spy apps. Click for more information about FB spy apps on this Tech Report piece by Andreas Theodorou. You should inform and educate seniors on their use and explain how these apps allow you to access their messages and shared media content. It would help if you told them that its application is to keep them safe as they navigate the platform and so that you can guide them for their security.
While it may be a difficult conversation to have, the consequences of not addressing online safety with our seniors are far more severe. Recent reports have uncovered criminal schemes specifically targeting seniors, resulting in a staggering loss of $3.4 billion. To avoid becoming a part of this alarming statistic, we must find a compromise that respects their privacy while ensuring their online safety.
2. Use a Strong Password
As with anything on the internet, your security is only as secure as your password. You don’t want to use passwords that can be guessed in a heartbeat. You can not use your name, your partner’s, or even your pet’s name. Nicknames are also a no-no. You want an alphanumeric password that is at least eight characters long, and you need to throw a special character in the mix. Eight characters are often prescribed, but the longer, the better. You should know that characters four to six characters long can be brute force hacked nearly instantly.
Awesome, if you already have a strong password. But just as important as having one is securing it. You don’t want to have it lying around or use it to secure any other account, and you certainly don’t want to use a hint that can lead anybody else to your password.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentification
Passwords are great, but people and some corporations are convinced that they should be phased out, considering how quickly technology is improving daily. One solution is to give your password some more help in the name of multiple-factor authentication. Systems with this system activated would require that whoever is trying to access your account have proof other than the password. This can be a code or pin from a hardware token or an authenticator app; it can also be a code sent to your mobile number or your email address.
4. Tweak Your Privacy Settings and No Oversharing
Facebook already does most of the work for you, as it allows you to customize your privacy settings. Tweaking these settings means you get to choose who can see your profile, what parts of your profile can be viewed, which information can be accessed, and who can tag your account in their posts.
It is important that you are meticulous when setting up your privacy settings, as allowing people too much access to this part of your account can result in being compromised by hackers who are phishing for information.
Also, It’s easy to say to only send and accept requests from people you know, but in reality, it is more difficult to practice. Nearly 30% of the world’s population is on Facebook, which means you are likely to find and meet people who share your interests. Naturally, you will want to be friends with these people, and that’s one of the fundamental reasons Facebook exists. The solution is to meet these people without putting yourself in harm’s way, and it starts by NOT oversharing.
Keep the conversations harmless, don’t share personal information, don’t give out your address, and certainly no snapshots of your ID or credit cards. As interesting as they might be, they are still just strangers that you met online and can have dubious intent. Always keep that in mind as you traverse this expansive social media community.
5. Block, Unfriend, Unfollow
Don’t overthink it. Usually, when something is too good to be true, it very often is. So if you are chatting with someone and there seems to be more to them than meets the eye, or you find an account stalking yours, or a listing on the Facebook marketplace seems out of place, don’t hesitate to put some distance between yourself and any shady characters. Immediately, you should unfriend, unfollow, or block these strange accounts. Giving it too much time gives them more time to access and use your information, essentially putting yourself at more risk.
6. Always Contact Support
Sometimes, it is not enough to block malicious accounts and move on, as everyone on the platform has a responsibility to keep it safe. You can go one step further by reporting suspicious activity to support. You want to collect and collate as much evidence of the wrongdoing as possible to paint a clear image for the support team and aid them in determining the best course of action.
Sometimes, support might reach out to you for clarity in these situations, so make yourself available and do your best to help. You also want to be on the lookout for fake tech support that can be posing to get your login information. Only reach out for help on their official channels, and remember that nobody will ask for your login information before rendering help.
7. Use VPNs
If you don’t want to take any chances and want to mask your IP address, which can sometimes be used to find your location, you can employ a VPN or Virtual Private Network. Popular with people who play crypto poker, blackjack, or any other online casino game, VPNs route your internet session through any one of their remote servers. They are especially handy if you are using public Wi-Fi and want to keep your data secure.
Conclusion
There are always two sides to a coin; the same way Facebook bridges gaps to old friends and family is the same way it might bridge gaps to people up to no good. It is not enough to rely on the platform’s failsafe for a secure internet session. The tips mentioned above, when followed correctly, allow you to use the platform with peace of mind, free from any trouble or danger.
