We read an article recently about a young lady that had her Facebook and other accounts hacked. Not only were the scammers on a mission to discover as much sensitive and valuable information as possible, but they left a wake of destruction in the process. They deleted her address book, email messages and items on her Facebook page.
When it comes to Facebook, they implemented a handy tool late last year that enables a user to download the following profile information into a zip file:
- Your profile information (e.g., your contact information, interests, groups)
- Wall posts and content that you and your friends have posted to your profile
- Photos and videos that you have uploaded to your account
- Your friend list
- Notes you have created
- Events to which you have RSVP’d
- Your sent and received messages
- Any comments that you and your friends have made on your Wall posts, photos, and other profile content
To being this process, go to the top right hand corner of your Facebook page and click “Account,” then select “Account Settings.”
Now go to the very bottom of the page and locate the, “Download a copy of your Facebook data” link.
This is the primary screen where you can learn more and begin the download process.
Clicking the “Download” button takes you to the following screen:
This popup notification is there to let you know that the process might take some time. Obviously, the more data you have on Facebook the longer it will take. Confirm and continue by clicking the “Download” button again. The screen shown below is the last screen you will see while Facebook is gathering all of your information. Once you see this notification it is safe to browse away from the page.
When your download is complete, you will receive an email notification like the one pictured below:
Viola, at this point you can simply follow the link and download the file. Depending on your level of activity and the volume of photos, videos, etc. you might want to get into the habit of backing up weekly or monthly. Also maintain a separate backup of any files, photos or videos that you want to keep on a permanent basis. Facebook should never contain your only copy of an important file.
Recommended Resources
SocialSafe helps you to create your library of you. It’s the safest place for your online life. Downloaded to your computer, auto organised and instantly searchable. Supports most major social networks.
PRIVATE WiFi® is a Personal VPN that encrypts everything you send and receive. Don’t access Facebook from a public WiFi hotspot without it.
BitDefender Safego is a Facebook application you can install that will scan your News Feed and help keep you safe from scams on Facebook.
