Keeping Your Business Safe on Facebook

As a business, making sure you are connected online is an essential element to building your brand, growing your customer base and creating your empire. Facebook is the most widely used social platform, with over 1.5 billion users globally, and helps brands communicate with their customers. However, with this much exposure, it also makes Facebook an ideal place for hackers.

If you manage a Facebook page for your business, it's important not to overlook security. With more information stored online than ever before, it can be extremely damaging to your business if it falls into the wrong hands. In this article, we will outline the top steps you should be taking to ensure your Facebook page is secure as possible.

#1. Limit Admin Access to Your Page
Do you know who has administrative privileges on your Facebook page? And does each person actually need it? While it may seem more productive to allow more people access to your page (freelancers, designers, interns, managers, etc.), it’s best to keep page admins to a minimum. Once a project is finished, or if an employee/ contractor leaves, make sure you remove them as an admin. Otherwise, they will have the ability to add, adjust or remove content on your page at any time. Managing the admins is essential, and you should know exactly who can change your page and why.

Page admins access your business page via a personal Facebook account, so if their profile has been compromised, the hackers will then have access to your page too. Reduce your risk and only grant access to people who need it.

#2. Change and Protect Your Password
Do you have one password that you use for everything? While everyone knows that you should change your password regularly (every 3-6 months at least), changing your password for different web programs is good practice. If your Twitter account is compromised, and you use the same password for Facebook, it's very easy for a hacker to gain access to your page.

Consider using a different password for every online program/ platform you use. Your password should be unique and consist of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols and numbers. Make sure you don’t reference anything that is personal or to do with your business (such as your business name, address, etc.). While it can be challenging managing multiple passwords, there are many programs out there which can help you keep on top of this.

#3. Manage and Monitor All Apps
Facebook apps help you add functionality to your page and enhance your visitor's experience. For example, Livestream allows you to add live video streaming to your Facebook page and track its performance. However, before you allow any application access to your Facebook page, make sure you read the app reviews and carefully consider what permissions you will grant. Some apps may pose security risks, while others may be completely malicious.

Protect your page and do your research before allowing an app to post anything or gain access to your account. Consider the information that the app needs against the information the app is asking for. It may also be best to clarify with the developer or company if you are unsure of their security precautions and what they will do with your information. Remember to use only well-known, secure applications.

#4. Maintain Facebook Block Lists
Facebook Moderation block lists are an excellent way to keep unwanted spam/ undesirable content off your page. The block list will filter out words/ phrases from users who post on your wall, and even on comments to posts as well. Pages that are overrun with spam look unprofessional and unappealing to users.

Filter out the content you do not want by clicking on ‘Edit Page’ and then ‘Manage Permissions’. This will allow you to update your moderation list by selecting different words that you would prefer to remain off your wall. Facebook will filter all blocked content to a spam folder that is only visible to you and not your audience.

#5. Be Active
Did you know being active on your Facebook page can help to keep it safe? If your page is overrun with spam, not only does it look unprofessional, but can also set you up for potential scammers to take advantage.

Managing your company’s Facebook page requires continuous monitoring to prevent spam and malicious posts, that can come from both users and bots. Remaining active will help to protect your users from accidentally clicking on malware and deter opportunistic scammers.

Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Facebook offers businesses an incredible opportunity to market to the masses. However, it also presents an opportunity for scammers and hackers to take advantage of unsuspecting page owners. With Facebook continuously changing, it’s important to remain vigilant and always keep on top security. Follow the tips above and keep your business page safe and secure.