Archives - Facebook


Consider a YubiKey for highly sensitive accounts

If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your logins, there’s still some risk if the 2FA code is sent via SMS. YubiKey (a hardware authentication device) offers a safer alternative to text messages, in the form of a USB stick that must be physically plugged into your Mac/PC during login. It’s already compatible with […]

Stop your Facebook profile from being searchable by phone number

Although it wasn’t designed as such, Facebook is a powerful caller ID service – it’s easy for anyone to paste a phone number into the search field and find the profile associated with it. The same can be done with email addresses. Change your privacy settings to prevent strangers from easily digging into your personal […]

Think carefully about application permissions

Mobile apps often ask for many permissions, including access to your camera, contacts list and geolocation. Think twice before granting them, since some applications only want these abilities for data harvesting purposes. For example, it’s not usually necessary to give Facebook access to your location, or to let Instagram listen in on your microphone (unless […]

Limit Facebook’s insight into your Internet activities

Facebook can be a useful platform for keeping in touch with friends and family. However, it collects immense data on its users, even when they leave the site. Consider installing a browser add-on like Facebook Container in Firefox to hide your web browsing details from Facebook and prevent targeted ads and suggestions.

Regularly review the apps connected to your social accounts

If you have ever signed into a site using your Facebook, Google or Twitter account, then you have already shared some of your data with a third party. It’s a good idea to occasionally look at which services are connected to your social networks. Incidents such as the Cambridge Analytica leak illustrate the risks of […]

Recognize common social media scams when you see them

Have you ever seen an offer on Facebook for a program showing you who viewed your profile? Such functionality doesn’t exist, and if you try to download it you’ll probably get malware instead. Also watch out for links in Twitter Direct Messages and work-from-home schemes on LinkedIn.