Welcome!

I have resisted creating a blog for some time but now decided why not air my views and allow those who wish to read and comment do so.

So this is my first blog and what is it today that has crossed my mind.

Facebook what is it really for? It is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. It has over 800 million active users.  Users may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile

“Facebook”, I dont understand why people have a need to make me aware that they are eating at “So and So Cafe”, or ”on holiday for two weeks” how does that influence, or effect my life, is it of interest to your friends? Perhaps it’s to let you know that their home is unattended and if you wish you could go along and gain entry! Many of the trivial comments make me gasp in amazement at why on earth would I want to know that. I saw a recent post which read ”I have just been to poo”, did I really want to know that and no its not funny either.

Then there is the hidden areas of facebook that secretly disclose information about you and your friends unless you turn off that specific area. Unless you know where to turn these areas off it silently continues to make you vulnerable. So now you want to know “WELL WHERE ARE THEY THEN?”. I’ll tell you latter but shush don’t let anyone know.

I have so many invites to subscribe in facebook to a cause or area of interest. Despite the fact that it may interest me I refuse to make myself vulnerable in allowing that area to have access to my personal data and a list of my friends. Would me friends want them to know their links with me? Why do they need this information, unless its for their benefit I can see no relevance to me joining.

After reading this you are probably saying well why do you continue with facebook. I do believe that once you have implemented the relevant safeguards and use it with discretion it is a means of general communication with friends, and maybe those you have lost contact with over the years. However it is vital that it is used wisly to avoid exposing yourself and friends to what potentially could be the unscrupulous individual accessing personal detail and information. If your content is of  a personal nature use the personal message area of facebook or better still keep your personal information away from facebook and use an email.

Here are some safeguards you can implement in facebook:-

1. While on FB, look at your URL address (the very top of your screen). If you see “http:” instead of “https:” then you do not have a secure session & can be hacked.
   Go to Home > Account Settings > Security & click ‘Edit’. Check box (browse facebook on a secure connection), click Save changes.
2. Go to Home > Account Settings > Apps and delete apps you no longer use.
3. Go to Home > Account Settings > Facebook Adverts > Edit third party advert settings >  Select > No One > Save changes
4. Go to Home > Account Settings >Facebook Adverts > Edit social advert settings > Select > No One > Save changes
5. Here is an excellent website with advice [1] http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/2011/01/27/protect-your-data-privacy/?ecid=2217&nlcid=2217
6. This is from the same company as item 5 and has the latest time line information plus additional useful settings [2] http://safeandsavvy.f-secure.com/2011/10/27/facebook-timeline/?ecid=2709&nlcid=2709
7. Don’t disclose personal information in your profile such as private email address, phone numbers etc. If an individual wishes to contact you they can send a message in facebook. Be careful what you reveal about yourself to ensure your identity can not be stolen.
8. Facebook Timeline. Here is an excellent explanation and instructions on the importance of checking your settings. [3] http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2393464,00.asp

I am not wishing to over react or scare monger but we do need to be wise in disclosing unnecessary detail about our selves and our friends so better to be wise than vulnerable so trust this helps.

You may find this Your Tube link of interest [4] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAXYiBdgY-g