Setting up Facebook and MSN Groups Safely A

Setting up Facebook and MSN Groups Safely A companion document to Surfing the Information Highway Safely Peter Bilodeau, Educational Consultant (RECIT) Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board

You can protect yourself by filling out your Facebook profile carefully. The less you say about yourself, the better.

Almost every text box has a “lock” icon next to it. If you click it, you be able to select who can view the information. “Friends of Friends” is not a good selection. This will allow too many people you don’t know to view your personal information. Leave out information which would identify your exact geographic location or unique interests.

If you can use an image of something other than yourself – do it. Choose who can see your information carefully. The “Personal Info” and “Friends” sections are the most important.

Facebook’s Search feature allows you to choose who can find you. Again, limit the number of strangers who can find you. Contact can also be controlled by telling Facebook how you want to be contacted The “Mini-Feed” feature updates your “Friends” list as to changes in your status. Choose which fields to update carefully.

Facebook’s Applications gives you control on who can view or edit your applications. Again, no one should be able to alter your site except you. External applications are even more dangerous. If you allow unknown people to send your information to an exterior site, you have no control on what they’ll do with it.

Filling out the MSN Groups profile is similar to Facebook’s. Again, giving out too much precise, personal information is not good. Limit information to vague geographic areas and common interests.

Always choose who can view your site. The “People I Choose” option is always best.