Facebook Security & Privacy: Top 10 Secrets to Avoid Hacking Attempts

Introduction

Facebook's vast user base makes it a prime target for hackers and data harvesters. As privacy regulations tighten and data breaches make headlines, fortifying your account is non-negotiable. These ten Facebook security & privacy secrets combine essential settings, advanced tools, and legal insights—empowering you to lock down your profile and shield personal data from prying eyes.

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1. Crafting an Unbreakable Password

A strong password is your first defense.

• Use at least 12 characters combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols

• Avoid reuse: each account must have a unique password

• Leverage a reputable password manager (e.g., Bitwarden, 1Password) to generate and store complex passwords securely

2. Enabling and Optimizing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication drastically reduces unauthorized access.

• Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) are more secure than SMS codes

• For maximum security, enable hardware keys (FIDO2) under Security & Login settings

• If codes fail, Facebook's recovery codes let you regain access—store them offline

3. Privacy Checkup: Your Facebook Security Dashboard

Facebook's Privacy Checkup guides you through critical settings.

• Navigate to Settings → Privacy Checkup

• Review who can see your posts, profile info, and friend list

• Adjust each section, from Profile visibility to Story settings, ensuring only intended audiences view your content

4. Controlling Visibility of Past and Future Posts

Lock down both old and new content.

• Limit Past Posts: convert all previous public posts to "Friends"

• Default Audience: set "Friends" or "Only Me" for future posts, stories, and reels

• Hide sensitive reels or stories by customizing audience per post

5. Managing App and Website Permissions

Third-party apps can leak data if overly permissive.

• Go to Settings → Apps and Websites

• Remove unused or suspicious integrations

• Under Off-Facebook Activity, clear history to stop external sites from sharing your browsing data with Meta

6. Disabling Facial Recognition & Tagging Controls

Facial recognition can auto-tag you without consent.

• Visit Settings → Face Recognition → Edit → "Do you want Facebook to recognize you?" → No

• Enable Tag Review and add keyword filters to prevent unwanted tags or mentions

7. Downloading and Deleting Your Facebook Data

Maintain ownership of your digital footprint.

• Under Settings → Your Facebook Information → Download Your Information, request an archive of posts, messages, photos, and more

• Use Access Your Information to delete unwanted comments, posts, and media permanently

8. Removing Your Data from Brokers and External Sources

Data brokers aggregate your profile across the web.

• Compile a list of top broker sites (Whitepages, Spokeo, MyLife)

• Manually opt out or use services like Incogni to automate removal

• Regularly audit your Off-Facebook Activity to limit cross-site tracking

9. Advanced Privacy Tools: VPNs and Browser Extensions

Enhance privacy beyond Facebook's platform.

• A reputable VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) masks your IP address, thwarting location-based profiling

• Browser extensions like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, and HTTPS Everywhere block trackers and malicious scripts

10. Understanding Your Legal Rights (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)

Data regulations empower you to control personal information.

• Under GDPR/CCPA, request access, correction, or deletion of your data via Facebook's Data Request forms

• If denied, file a complaint with your regional data protection authority

• Stay updated on Meta's privacy policy changes to leverage new user rights

Conclusion

Implementing these ten Facebook security & privacy strategies will significantly reduce your risk of hacking and data exposure. For a quick reference, download our Ultimate Facebook Security Checklist PDF and secure your account today.

FAQ

How do I enable Facebook login alerts?

Go to Settings → Security and Login → Get alerts about unrecognized logins, then choose your alert channels.

Can I recover a hacked Facebook account?

Yes. Use Facebook's Hacked Account recovery flow at facebook.com/hacked, verify identity, reset your password, and review recent activity.

What happens when I clear Off-Facebook Activity?

Clearing Off-Facebook Activity severs the link between your external browsing data and your Facebook profile, reducing targeted ads and third-party tracking.

Additional Resources

• Official Meta Security Center

• Recommended Cybersecurity Blogs

• Subscribe for Monthly Privacy Insights