Ask a Tech Geek June 24th

Welcome to today’s Ask a Tech Geek. We will continue to follow up on our Facebook and Social Media questions.

Today’s Question:

Lately I have been hearing about Facebook accounts being hacked, compromised or Pirated what does this mean and how can I secure my account?

This is a very good question and there are many false perceptions of what happen to someone’s account.  Many people use the term “Facebook account was hacked” but in reality it is rare for an account to be hacked. “Hacked” means gain unauthorized access to the account. With all the security protocols that Facebook has it is hard for someone to actually hack someone’s Facebook file.

Many called it hacked and Facebook uses that term as well, unfortunately the majority of the time a person’s account is actually compromised. This means that someone has unwittingly given a third party access to their account.  This usually happens when someone allows a third party app permission to post on their wall for example the results of quizzes, games, websites or any other app that seems fun or informative.

While many of the third party apps are reputable, there are quite a few that are not.  When they ask for permission to post the results to your page, they hide the other permissions requests which you then give access to, like your friends list, messenger, etc. Once they gain access they can send group messages to people, post unwanted information on your wall and have full access to your account.  This is when they can become pirates and take over your account on you.

Just like a ship that in boarded by pirates, a Facebook user’s account becomes overtaken and they are locked out.  If this happens to you click here for Facebook to help you regain control of your account.

Did you know that when you allow a third party to post something on your wall, for example “What animal are you?” Or “We can tell you your personality from what colours you choose”, you are allowing them permissions to access your Facebook account.

Did you know that you have control over your apps and websites?  Did you know you can control who can see what games you are playing? Did you know that you have control to remove any app you use?  

Control Your Apps Permissions And How To Remove Them.

There are two versions of Facebook at this moment so how to set permissions depends on if you are using the classic version or the new version.

Classic Facebook

1. Log into Facebook and click the Down Arrow in the top right of Facebook.
2. Click Settings.
3. Click Apps and Websites from the list on the left.
4. Click the name of the app you’d like to update. You can also click Search Apps and Websites in the top right to find a specific app or website.
5. From here, you can update the information you’re sharing with the app or who the app is sharing with or remove it completely
6. Click Save

New Facebook

1. Click the Down Arrow in the top right.
2. Select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
3. Click Apps and Websites from the list on the left.
4. Click the name of the app you’d like to update. You can also click Search Apps and Websites in the top right to find a specific app or website.
5. From here, you can update the information you’re sharing with the app, who the app is sharing with or remove it completely
6. Click Save.

Bulk Remove/Delete of Apps

If you find you have more apps and websites then you realized and do not want them, you can do a bulk delete Remove/Delete by clicking the box beside each app you like to remove then clicking the removed button above the list on the right.

It is always a good idea to keep an eye on what apps you have given permission to access your Facebook and what areas of your account you have allowed them access.  This Geek routinely checks hers every two months. 

Thanks to our website visitor for asking this question. Next week is Canada Day so I will not be doing a segment but will be back on July 8 th.

 I want to take this time to wish you all a HAPPY CANADA DAY 🍁

If you have a question you would like to have answered. Here are three ways you can ask.

1. Leave a comment on this post,
2. Use our  Send a Message page
3. Email our Geek at techgeek@wallaceburgadultactivitycentre.ca

Till next time stay safe, stay healthy and most of all stay positive.

Your Resident Geek.