Tips to Protect Yourself on Facebook & Instagram

TL;DR

  • Add extra protection to your accounts by setting up two-factor authentication

  • Moderate content you do not wish to see and report hackers and harassers

  • Safeguard your accounts and engage with your community in a safe manner

We understand how important it is for you to engage with your fans and followers on social media in order to build your subscription business. You want your social media platforms to be secure, and you want your followers to feel as though your channels are a safe space for them. Engagement and interactions over social media should always be a pleasant experience for both you and your fans, which is why social networking safety is so important.

This article is designed to help you prevent any issues on social media, while giving you the tools you need to protect yourself if and when issues arise.

Prevention & Protection

1. Protect Your Password

Check your Facebook and Instagram passwords. They both should be unique. Never share them with anyone.

Here are a few simple password tips:

  • Always avoid using personally identifiable words and phrases, such as your name, phone number, birth date, and address.

  • Don’t reuse your passwords, either — keep them unique for each of your accounts.

  • Consider changing your passwords every six months.

2. Two-Factor Authentication on Facebook

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your profile. This can be set up in the Security and Login section under Settings. Once turned on, you will enter a special code each time you want to access your Facebook account from a new device or browser.

3. Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram

To set two-factor authentication up on Instagram, you can add a third-party app to verify your login credentials before logging in. These third-party apps make it harder for outside parties to hack accounts and it makes it easier for you to stay safe. Duo Mobile and Google Authenticator are two great options.

4. Know Who Has Access to Your Facebook Pages

You may have a few people managing your Page, so selecting and assigning the right admin roles will help you manage your Page without risking your personal information. Each person can log into their own profile and work on your Page from there.

What to Do if You Are Hacked on Facebook

If you think your account has been hacked, visit fb.me/hacked to secure your account. You will be asked to change your password and review recent login activity.

Your account may have been hacked if you notice:

  • Your email or password has been changed

  • Your name or birthday has been changed

  • Friend requests have been sent to people you don’t know

  • Messages have been sent that you didn’t write

  • Posts were made that you didn’t create

What to Do if You Are Hacked on Instagram

There are two ways you can regain entry to your account:

  1. An email will be sent to you, notifying you of unauthorized changes. If you did not initiate these changes, click the link and change your password.

  2. Use the in-app support at fb.me/ighackedsupport.

How to Moderate Content

Facebook Content Moderation

  • Comments and posts: Use Page moderation and filter tools, which are found under Page settings, to proactively moderate comments and posts by visitors. You can also hide and delete individual comments.

  • Filter content: Block words you do not want to see and turn on the profanity filter.

  • Ban users: Ban people who continually spam your Page. You have the option to remove the ban at any time.

Instagram Content Moderation

  • Block accounts: Stop specific users from seeing your profile, posts, or Stories. People are not notified when you block them and you can unblock them at any time.

  • Limit comments: Control comments by changing the default settings and specifying who you wish to see comments on your posts.

  • Filter content: Choose words and emojis you don’t want to see in the comments section.

  • Mute accounts: Rather than blocking an account, you can mute them. This keeps posts from certain accounts from showing up on your feed, without having to unfollow them.

  • Restrict accounts: Protect your account from unwanted interactions. Once you Restrict someone, the comments they make will only show to other people if you approve of them.

Harassment & Bullying

Facebook and Instagram do not tolerate harassment or bullying and they want people to feel safe to engage and connect with their community. Both platforms are working to remove content that purposefully targets private individuals with the intention of degrading or shaming them. You are encouraged to report any forms of harassment or bullying taking place on your own Page or other Pages.

  • On Facebook, you can go directly to the Facebook Page or profile you wish to report and create a report.

  • On Instagram, you can also go directly to the account you wish to report and add in your reasoning.

Report Abusive Content

The best way to report abusive content, spam, or impersonation on Facebook is by using the “Report” link that appears near the post. The report will then be reviewed and appropriate action will be taken.

On Instagram, the best way to report these instances is within the app, directly on the post, or through Instagram’s Help Center.

If reporting is not enough, you are encouraged to bring the issue to law enforcement. Take screenshots and copy URL links of any unwanted attention before blocking the harasser.

Review these guidelines and come back to this page if you ever need a reminder on how to stay safe and protected while using Facebook and Instagram to promote your business.