If you see a link at the top of your Facebook page to ‘simple security tips,’ don’t be surprised or alarmed that it could be a scam.

Facebook has created a page with some common sense security tips, very much like the ones we often release. The resource page contains a short video from a member of Facebook’s Security team, and the following top three tips shown below:

1. Know how to spot a scam
   If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Think twice before you click on a link for free airline tickets or other common scams. They even mention in the video that profile viewer scams are not possible on Facebook!
2. Choose a one-of-a-kind password
   Is your Facebook password different than your email password? If not, please reset your password today.For more password related security tips see our article: The Top Ten Commandments of Password Protection.
3. Confirm your mobile number
   If you forget your password, we’ll be able to text you a new one. To make sure we can reach you, confirm your mobile number.We often encourage our readers to enable login approvals, so that even if your Facebook password is compromised the hacker will need a code sent via text message to access your account.

There is also a link to Advanced Tips.

We are very glad to see Facebook taking steps to educate their users on security issues affecting the platform. Hopefully this will result a safer environment for everyone.

Also remember to visit our own Safety Center where we have almost 30 articles on various privacy and safety topics.

Recommended Resources

BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.

PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.

Do Not Track + is a FREE browser plugin created by Abine. This easy to install plugin keeps websites from tracking you. If you value your online privacy, then you should definitely take advantage of this free product.

Action Alert | Free Parental Control offers a 100% free Internet safety solution designed for parents. There is also a Maximum Protection option for parents that need a more advanced set of tools.