Facebook keeps "improving" its security features and making it "easier" for us Facebook users to keep our information private, but how much of it is actually making our accounts secure?
Bill Pringle provides us with some helpful techniques on preventing our accounts from becoming victims to security fraud. Most of them seem like common sense, such as "don't put sensitive information in your profile" and "use a strong password". However, these basic techniques will not rid us of the risks arising constantly by using a Facebook account.
A recent post about Facebook's new issues with privacy settings puts me a bit uneasy. Due to Facebook's size and audience, it has become an even bigger target for bugs and hackers. Luckily, I'm not the only one concerned about these security issues!
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3 years ago
I still think they have a long way to go. I have been able to access any account from people that I don’t even know. I’ve tried to keep all my information out of there and I’ll probably even change or put a nickname.
ReplyDeleteOrkut, which is similar to facebook, is widely used in Brazil. It’s a much safer environment as one can’t see other individual’s profile unless this particular ndividual adds one as a friend. Pictures, comments, profile, and other stuff are off limits.
I agree with you with your concerns of bugs and hackers but I still think that there are other issues such as employers accessing your page – accessing your private life.
The security issues in Facebook are a topic that has been involving so many comments and opinions that Wikipedia has a page for it .
The NY Times has published an article
“Facebook Glitch Brings New Privacy Worries” [1] that basically can be summarized as “Facebook has become more scary than fun.”
1 - http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/06/technology/internet/06facebook.html
Your privacy on Facebook comes down to how much information you allow users to view. There are many easy to use settings on Facebook that can limit your profile in a variety of ways.
ReplyDeleteI think it is ultimately the responsibility of the user to control what information they decide to provide to the general public. If you do not want your personal life and information broadcasted over Facebook, this option is available but most choose not to use it. You can control the image that you project and have to understand that unfortunately everyone will be able to see that image, even potential employers.
I agree with Kristal, Facebook tries to make best efforts to secure our personal information. If people were truly concerned about Facebook's privacy policy they would stop using it. I think if you do not want personal information online, don't share it. Both Facebook and MySpace, as well as other social networking sites, are breeding grounds for people who lie about who they really are. Not everyone on Facebook is a 25 year bodybuilder model/millionaire. Unfortunately, these are the problems facing social networking sites.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, the responsibility lies with the adults and parents of children who are on Facebook. Parents need to be especially diligent when their kids are on a social networking site and keep close tabs on them. No amount of privacy policy will substitute good parenting.