Using Facebook in a secure way

 

Risk of identity theft, exposure to malwares, visibility of shared data: Users who combine professional and private activities on Facebook are more exposed, given the risks to their reputation and that of their business, and the integrity of the information they share. Security and privacy are two crucial aspects to consider when private and corporate data are shared on Facebook. So, how to protect yourself adequately?

It should be noted that Facebook reserves the right to make non-commercial use of all your information (comments, photos, links, texts, images, videos ...), whatever the type of account you are using (private or professional).

Professional and personal life: properly configure Facebook

Organize lists

The Facebook lists allow you to share information (articles, links, content) within groups. They therefore act as filters: information shared with a list are only visible by contacts belonging to this list. This settings makes it possible to separate a personal (family, friends) from professional use(eg list of colleagues).

• Lists can be used to share information on the progress of a collaborative project (event), allows the geolocation of relationships to distribute information in a meaningful way.

Note:

• Your contacts are not notified when you add them to a list.
• You can add contacts to multiple lists.
• Facebook offers several types of default lists settings. One of them (Restricted list) allows you to add contacts who won't hve access to publications and information shared publicly on your profile.

Modify your privacy settings

The following privacy settings must be changed if you are using Facebook for both a professional and personal basis. They are available under the following section: Home> Privacy settings:

• Change your default privacy settings :The default privacy settings of Facebook are not efficient enough, you can pre-set the visibility of content on your Facebook account, to a targeted audience.
• Geo-location settings : Avoid getting tracked.
• Apps and Websites: Prevent applications to access your private data.
• Limit the Audience for Past Posts.

Security Settings

Security settings can be accessed by going through: Home (top right of your Facebook page)> Account Settings> Security (tab on the left column):

• Enable secure browsing (HTTPS secure connection), specially if you make a frequent use of unsecured WiFi networks.

Secure your Facebook profile using applications

Several vendors offer security applications for Facebook.

• BitDefender offers a free application for Facebook called "Safego" (also available under Twitter) that analyzes the user's wall, posts and comments to identify malicious links and other content such as images, videos.
• It also provides an "index of confidentiality" to help the user to manage privacy settings of their profile. Norton Safe Web application for Facebook allows Symantec to analyze the news feed links that may be potentially malicious.

The use of proxy servers

Access to Facebook can be blocked in different contexts (at work, at school, traveling abroad). To overcome this limitation, many users go through servers called "proxies" or proxy, which serve as an intermediary between a Web browser and Internet. Several lists of proxy servers available on internet.

• Note that: it is impossible to know if the data passing through the proxies aren't being intercepted and reused maliciously.
• It is therefore important to be careful when using this type of service.

Spam and Scams to avoid on Facebook

Facebook and Norton by Symantec published a joint white paper for an expert safe use of Facebook, titled "Spam and Scams to avoid on Facebook"

Among the main advice of this White Paper:

• Be cautious of videos or links with sensational headlines.
• Activate the privacy settings of your account.
• Use passwords that are difficult to guess.
• Be cautious towards "attractive" free offers (discount coupons, games, etc.), especially when asked to click on the "I like" button before accessing the content.

Safety tips from Facebook

To protect your account, Facebook also recommends:

• To use an up-to-date web browser, equipped with anti-phishing features,
• Ensure the updating of security software on your PC (firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing tools).
• Not open attachments in received e-mails (unknown senders).

Original document published on CommentCaMarche.net