10 Powerful Facebook Privacy Tips to Protect Your Family

Facebook is an incredible tool to connect with friends, family, and your community — but if your Facebook privacy settings aren’t locked down, you could be sharing way more than you realize. Whether you’re a parent wanting to protect your kids, a small business owner safeguarding your brand, or simply someone who values digital privacy, understanding how to secure your Facebook account is essential in today’s online world.

Cyber threats to personal and business accounts are real — hackers, scammers, and identity thieves often target social media profiles to collect bits of personal info that can be exploited in bigger attacks. Think of your Facebook profile like the front porch of your home. You want friends to come in and visit, but you don’t want strangers peeking through your windows or taking your belongings. Setting strong Facebook privacy controls is like locking your doors and windows — it keeps unwanted eyes out and protects what’s inside.

This guide breaks down the key steps you can take right now to keep your Facebook account private, secure, and under your control.

Why Facebook Privacy Matters More Than Ever

Every day, billions of posts, photos, and personal updates are shared on Facebook. Many people don’t realize that even seemingly innocent information — like your birthday, hometown, or pet’s name — can be used by cybercriminals to piece together your identity or guess passwords.

Oversharing can lead to:

• Identity theft: Hackers can steal your personal details to open credit accounts or file fraudulent tax returns.
• Account takeovers: Weak privacy can make it easier for attackers to guess passwords or bypass security.
• Stalking and harassment: Public posts can reveal your location or routines.
• Social engineering scams: Criminals impersonate you or your contacts to trick others.

Taking a few minutes to tighten your Facebook privacy settings dramatically lowers your risk and helps protect your digital life from these threats.

Use Facebook’s Privacy Checkup Tool

Facebook offers a handy Privacy Checkup feature that guides you step-by-step through your key privacy settings. It’s an easy way to review and adjust who can see your posts, manage app permissions, and control how people find you on Facebook.

How to use it:

1. Log in to your Facebook account.
2. Click the down arrow at the top right > Settings & Privacy > Privacy checkup
3. Follow the prompts to review your settings, including:
   • Who can see what you share
   • Profile information visibility
   • App permissions
   • How people can find and contact you
   • Ad preferences
   • Setting a secure password and 2FA

Doing this regularly helps ensure your Facebook privacy settings stay up to date as Facebook changes and as your needs evolve.

10 Steps for Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Step 1: Review and Customize Your Facebook Privacy Settings

Facebook’s default settings tend to be more public than many expect — often set to “Friends of Friends” or even “Public” for some info. This means strangers may see your posts or profile details unless you adjust them.

How to review your Facebook privacy settings:

• On desktop: Click the down arrow at the top right > Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy.
• On mobile: Tap the three-line menu > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts.

Key Facebook privacy settings to update:

• Who can see your future posts?
  Set to “Friends” or create custom friend lists for more control. Avoid “Public” unless you want your posts visible to everyone.
• Limit the audience for old posts?
  Use the “Limit Past Posts” option to convert all old public posts to “Friends” only.
• Who can see your friend list?
  Choose “Only Me” or “Friends” to prevent strangers from browsing your network.
• Who can look you up using your email or phone number?
  Restrict to “Friends” or “Only Me” to stop unknown people from finding your profile.
• Do you want search engines outside Facebook to link to your profile?
  Turn this off to keep your profile out of Google and other public searches.

Step 2: Control What Personal Info Is Visible on Your Profile

Your profile contains sensitive personal information that can be valuable to attackers — like your birthday, hometown, and contact info. Be selective about what you share publicly.

What to do:

• Visit your profile and click About.
• Review each section: Contact info, Work & Education, Places Lived, Family & Relationships.
• Use the audience selector icons (globe for public, friends, or lock for only me) next to each item to control who can see it.
• Consider hiding details like your birth year, phone number, or address entirely if not needed.

Step 3: Manage Post Visibility Carefully

Not every update is meant for all your Facebook friends or the public. Update your Facebook privacy settings to reflect this.

Tips:

• Before posting, use the audience selector (the dropdown next to the post button) to choose who can see that post: Friends, Friends except…, Specific friends, or Only Me.
• Use Facebook’s Restricted List for friends who shouldn’t see all your posts — they remain friends but with limited visibility.
• Regularly review your timeline for any posts you no longer want visible and adjust their audience or delete them.

Step 4: Control Tagging and Timeline Review Settings

Friends might tag you in photos, posts, or comments that you don’t want everyone to see. Tags can be visible to all their friends and potentially the public.

What to do:

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Profile and Tagging.
• Enable “Review posts you’re tagged in before they appear on your profile” to approve or hide tags.
• Set “Who can see posts you’re tagged in on your profile?” to “Friends” or “Only Me” for better control.
• Consider disabling tagging from strangers or limiting who can tag you in the first place.

Step 5: Limit App Permissions and Third-Party Access

Apps connected to your Facebook account often have access to your personal data and sometimes post on your behalf. This can be a huge gap in your Facebook privacy if apps are outdated, compromised, or overly permissive.

How to manage:

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites.
• Review all active apps — remove those you don’t recognize or no longer use.
• Check the permissions granted and restrict unnecessary data access.
• Avoid logging into apps using Facebook unless absolutely necessary.

Step 6: Strengthen Login Security

Enhance your Facebook privacy and protect your account from hacking attempts by enabling stronger login protections.

Recommended steps:

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use app-based MFA tools like Authy or Google Authenticator when supported, which provide a second layer of security beyond your password.
• Use a long, strong, and unique password: Avoid simple or reused passwords. Consider using a trusted password manager (We recommend Keeper).
• Review active sessions: Check under Security and Login for devices currently logged into your account. Log out of any unfamiliar sessions immediately.
• Set up login alerts: Get notifications if your account is accessed from a new device or location.

Step 7: Stay Vigilant Against Scams and Phishing

Hackers frequently send fake friend requests or messages designed to steal your information or install malware.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t accept friend requests or messages from people you don’t know.
• Avoid clicking suspicious links, even if sent by friends — their accounts may be compromised.
• Never share your password or 2FA codes.
• Report any suspicious activity to Facebook immediately.

Step 8: Educate Your Family on Digital Privacy and Security

Digital and Facebook privacy isn’t just about settings — it’s also about habits. Make sure everyone in your family understands why privacy matters and how their actions impact security.

How to do this:

• Hold regular family discussions about online safety and privacy.
• Teach kids to think before they post or share personal info.
• Explain the risks of oversharing on social media and why privacy settings matter.
• Encourage open communication if anyone encounters something suspicious or uncomfortable online.

When your whole family is privacy-savvy, your cybersecurity plan becomes much stronger.

Step 9: Backup Your Facebook Data Regularly

Data loss can happen — whether from hacking, accidental deletion, or technical glitches.

Why backup?

Facebook allows you to download your full data archive, including posts, photos, messages, and contacts. This means if you ever lose access, you have a copy of your digital memories and information.

How to backup:

• Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Your Facebook Information > Download Your Information.
• Choose what data to download (posts, photos, messages, etc.).
• Select the date range and file format.
• Request the download and save it securely offline.

Backing up data is a simple but often overlooked part of digital security — and a key part of your family cybersecurity plan.

Step 10: Review and Adjust Privacy Settings After Major Facebook Updates

Facebook frequently updates its platform — sometimes changing how privacy controls work or introducing new features.

What you should do:

• After every major Facebook update, revisit your privacy settings.
• Check announcements from Facebook about new features or changes.
• Adjust settings as needed to maintain your desired level of privacy.
• Educate your family on any new tools or controls introduced.

Being proactive ensures that your family cybersecurity plan stays effective over time, even as the social media landscape evolves.

Explore Facebook’s Family Center for Safer Social Media Use

If you’re a parent or caregiver, Facebook’s Family Center is a valuable tool designed to help you and your family navigate social media safely and responsibly. It offers education, expert tips, and supervision features to support healthy digital habits for teens.

Key features include:

• Supervision Tools: Connect your teen’s Facebook account to monitor screen time and app usage.
• Expert Resources: Access articles, videos, and guides on topics like privacy, online bullying, and digital well-being.
• Conversation Starters: Get ideas on how to talk with your kids about online safety in age-appropriate ways.

How to find it:
Visit Facebook Family Center or search “Family Center” in Facebook’s Help section.

Whether you’re just setting up social media in your household or managing long-time users, the Family Center supports your overall Facebook privacy strategy as part of a broader family cybersecurity plan.

Bonus: Read more about Facebook Teen Accounts here.

Quick Facebook Privacy Checklist

• Review and update privacy settings.
• Limit visibility of personal info.
• Manage post and tagging visibility.
• Review and remove unnecessary app permissions.
• Enable app-based two-factor authentication.
• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Monitor active login sessions regularly.
• Stay alert for phishing and scams.

Need Help Protecting Your Family or Business Online?

If managing Facebook privacy settings and digital safety feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. We help families and small businesses build practical, effective family cybersecurity plans that cover everything from social media privacy to network protection.

Whether you want a personalized walkthrough, assistance setting up tools like content filtering, or ongoing support to stay ahead of cyber threats, we’re here to help.

Schedule a free home cybersecurity audit or contact us today to start building a stronger, safer digital life.

Protecting your Facebook account is more than just tweaking settings — it’s about taking control of your online presence, safeguarding your privacy, and giving yourself peace of mind. Start today, and build a secure foundation for your digital world.

Take Control of Your Digital Safety

At Bison Security Co., we believe strong cybersecurity starts at home—and grows with you. Whether you’re a parent, professional, or small business owner, we’ve got your back with the tools and support you need to stay safe in a connected world.

Here’s How to Get Started:

• Schedule your FREE Home Cybersecurity Audit — 30-minutes, no strings attached.
• Take Our Cyber Hygiene Quiz— Learn where your family or business stands and what to do next.
• Explore Our Cybersecurity Services — From identity protection to digital wellness plans, we make security simple and strong.
• Subscribe for Weekly Tips — Stay ahead of threats with expert advice, family-friendly checklists, and early alerts.

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