Excuse Me .. Your Facebook Public is Showing!!

Ok, this is not going to be a piece that some of you will find comfortable.  I am pointing out very obvious and continued practices of Facebook usage and yes, many of you are going to see your own ways in this post.

However,  I felt the need to write this piece as I can no longer sit idle and watch the online safety of Facebook users, along with their families and friends, be placed at risk due to public content.

Please ensure you check the links attached to particular words, to further enhance your Facebook safety.

I know those dealing with the issues of stolen photos, fake accounts and other shared content which causes unprecedented anxiety.. why do I know this? Because I am the person the Users approach for advice and safety when these incidents occur.

In this day of  heightened internet security, terrorism and cybercrime, the basics of Facebook safety must be acknowledged for your own well being and that of your online surrounds.

I am here to detail the sharing capabilities of Facebook and how a couple of public elements can place you at risk.

To assist in securing your account, Facebook has rolled out new Privacy settings.  However many still choose to ignore these settings, posing a risk to themselves and their Facebook connections.

In the past I have chosen to warn those I can see of their public posts.. Why?  Because in most instances the users were not aware the post was public and it was obvious it was not meant for public consumption.

At times however my good intentions were met with a stern response and scrutiny from the User. Why was I stalking them? Why I was checking posts not meant for me to see? Why I did single them out?   Here's Why...

Firstly if you post it .. its meant for anyone to see!  Secondly, the posts seen were ones that fell into my Facebook newsfeed. So it is difficult to turn a blind eye when they are so obvious. They are obvious because they were either on public view, or many friends added comments underneath making it a popular or trending post.  Thirdly, I spoke up where others viewing the posts were too apprehensive to do so.

I understand the feeling of intrusion, but the world of fake profiles, image theft, identity theft, facial recognition and cyber abuse, are elements of the internet world that the average user frolicking online tend to believe will not happen to them.  Unfortunately more users are being targeted online for a variety of reasons and this trend will only continue.

So let me put you at ease with the following information to guide you and help keep your personal posts out of public view.  

1. Facebook Timeline Cover Photos

The large Cover photo is a brilliant way to express yourself and showcase your individuality.
Some amazing pictures are viewable here including, your last milestone birthday photo, your child / grandchild / niece / nephew / or your child and other school/kinder children.
There are baby pictures, the family fun day out, or recent formal family celebrations.  There are pics of graduations, sporting achievements, the latest photo of your family pet, or the gorgeous location you recently or continue to visit.
All of these pictures say something about you and your real world. These pictures are able to be clicked on to show comments from your online friends. When this action is performed it does not matter that your Facebook Friend List is locked down. I can view some of the friends connected to account by the comments left on these photos and from there, hyperlink to their Facebook accounts.

This is profile building for any would be cybercreep, who may want to build a digital dossier on your life.   So your next question why would they choose me?
Because people are inquisitive and none moreso than those wanting to track and view your life. 

Who are they? Obviously it varies - from people or family you have separated from, business colleagues you had a falling out with, stalkers that fit into many categories who simply follow due to your reputation or profession. There are also those that monitor your Facebook account due to who you are connected with, so they can see information via the linked accounts.

Solution:  
Use an avatar as your Cover picture. All of your favourite pics should be kept and shared with those that matter most, which is on your Facebook Timeline and away from prying eyes of the public world.
Your smaller profile picture can be locked down to friends only, which prevents the picture from opening up to a larger version, or to view other users comments posted underneath.
Don't post information that is private.. especially personal information and feeds to surveys like ... '10, 20 or 5 things you don't know about me'....

2. Things You Don't Know About Me ~ Survey

Oh come on you cannot be Serious!  This Survey information is NOT just being seen by your online friends it is being seen and used by Facebook and 3rd Party Apps / Advertising.

This is where TMI (too much information) is a dream come true for the cyber snoops out there.  Why?
Because all of this information is additional (And Usually More Personal), to the information already placed on your Facebook account.  For instance, one lady I notified about her '10 things you don't know about me', revealed some extremely personal data, including the age / sex / school of her children, people that she had lost including a child, her current workplace, her birthday even though her Facebook account info didnt display it, her pet etc. It was all on a public setting.

Now I hear you, it's like well crikey... if we can't have fun and share things about ourselves on Facebook what's the point of having it?!
Yes there is a point of sharing for fun, but a fine line between giving free information that places your privacy at risk, and if not yours, are your family, friends or children comfortable about you sharing information about them to the online world?

Ask them for their true feeling about what you are posting, as many can see what you are doing, but may not say it bothers them. Believe me from the people that have been targeted online .... Yes it does bother them!

Now although some Users may post their 'Things you don't know about me' to friends only, there is the chance of this information being shared. Remember that Facebook acquaintance you forgot was lurking in the background?  They can now feel a New sense of 'getting to know you'!

Can I also place an emphasis of the sharing component with those that have work colleagues on Facebook, or are employed in a professional area.  This TMI may give them a brighter side in getting to know you, or could damage your reputation depending what is posted.   But hey, if this is your thing and you are comfortable posting personal info, then good luck to you. :)

Solution: 
Think before you post and check if these type of surveys are really something you want to be affiliated with.  The last thing to note about 'Things you don't know about me' is the nomination of others... Tagging ..

3. Tagging

Tagging is a fantastic way of notifying a friend in your post. It's gives the ability to share timely events, posts and other things from Facebook together.  However everytime you Tag a User, your account settings technically changes from 'friends' to -  'friends of friends'.

In regards to the 'Things you don't know about me', once you tag, that post of yours will fall into your tagged friend's timeline feed, meaning ALL of their friends have the availability to view it.
If your friend has their Facebook account on Public, it is a higher share as it will be seen by 100's if not 1000's of people, can now be keyword searched and may also be indexed by the Google platform.

Tagging can be managed in the account settings, by turning on the Timeline Review.
This Facebook tool gives notification when you are tagged in a post.  You can view my Facebook Messenger workaround which also helps in this area regarding others Tagging and posting to your Timeline.

Solution:  
You can custom post so only the person is tagged but their friends are not included.  Go to your audience selector and instead of choosing friends, choose the Custom tab, then uncheck the 'friends of those tagged' box. 

Stay Safe Online

I have often used the Facebook reporting tool.  Don't be afraid to use what Facebook supply in protecting your privacy and have a conversation with other users to ensure you take control of your digital reputation.    

I wish everyone a happy disposition on Facebook and my purpose is to highlight areas you may now think twice about before posting.  

Think about your family and friends and how they feel when you add to their digital shadow.
 #staysafeonline


#cybersafety #Facebooksettings  #Facebook #privacy #onlinesafety #cybercrime