We all love to connect with our friends and family online. Whether it’s the fun of choosing the best angle for your selfie, finding long-lost school friends or talking about the latest trends or news, 11 million Australians make Facebook a daily habit. In Facebook’s monthly hot topics data for September, we saw the Pope, Ellen DeGeneres, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Lisa Wilkinson as some of the most talked about public figures.
But in amongst talking about these important issues, when was the last time you checked to make sure what you share online is secure – both from your Business Page or your Personal Profile? This week is Stay Smart Online Week, when government and industry join forces to remind you of the simple things you can do to make sure your business and personal information is protected and you are sharing securely.
Here are some simple ways you can quickly take action to protect your Business Page or your Personal Profile and make sure it is secure.
Facebook Page
- Create clear rules about the number of people who can manage your Page
The more managers you have on your Page, the higher the risk of a compromise.
- Enable Login Approvals on any Facebook accounts that can manage your Page
Login Approvals provides additional security by requiring you to enter a specific code when logging into your account form an unrecognized device. The code is sent to your mobile device. For more information go to facebook.com/help/loginapprovals
- Secure your mobile devices
Facebook uses mobile phones for authentication, which means securing your mobile phone is an important part of keeping your Page secure. You can secure your mobile device by using security features already available on your phone including codes, PINs, and passwords.
Facebook Profile
- Take the Privacy Checkup
Privacy Checkup walks you through three quick steps to help make sure only the people you want can see your stuff. You can review who you’re posting to, which apps you’re using, and the privacy of key pieces of information on your profile.
The Privacy Checkup is always available via your Privacy Shortcuts on desktop (just click on the lock in the upper right hand corner of your screen).
- Take the *new* Security Checkup
Using Security Checkup, you can take actions like:
Log Out of Unused Devices: easily log out log out of devices you haven’t used in a while or forgot about, so you’re only logged into Facebook on the devices and browsers you approve.
Login Alerts: If you turn on this feature, Facebook will send you a notification or email alert if someone tries to log into your account from an unfamiliar device or browser.
Using Strong & Unique Passwords: The strength of your password is more important than how often you change it. Don’t use your Facebook password anywhere else online and never share it with anyone.
To start Security Checkup, use this link: https://www.facebook.com/help/securitycheckup
- Set Your Trusted Contacts
Trusted contacts are friends you can reach out to if you ever need help getting into your Facebook account (e.g. you forget your Facebook password and can’t get into your email account to reset it). The next time you can’t get into your account, your trusted contacts will receive special, one-time security codes from Facebook. You can then call your friends to get the security codes and together, those codes will help restore access to your account.
To turn on, go to your “Security Settings.” Click “Trusted Contacts” and select 3-5 friends whom you know you can turn to in a bind.
About the author:
This post was written by Mia Garlick, head of policy, Facebook Australia
