With its massive user base, Facebook remains one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Whether you want to stay in touch with friends, network, or share updates from your life, Facebook provides a space that millions of people engage in every day. However, as concerns about privacy and online security continue to grow, it’s important to think about how to protect your personal information while using the platform.
In 2025, privacy has never been more important. As Facebook evolves, so do its privacy features and data collection practices. While it’s impossible to guarantee complete security online, there are several steps you can take to ensure your Facebook account stays safe, your personal information stays protected, and your browsing experience is more secure. Here’s how you can stay on Facebook while keeping your data safe.
Understanding Facebook's Privacy Settings
One of the first steps to securing your Facebook account is to understand the platform’s privacy settings. Facebook has robust privacy options, but users often have to configure them manually. The Privacy Settings menu lets you control who sees your posts, who can send you friend requests, and who can search for you by your email address or phone number. You can also set restrictions on who can comment on your posts and customize your audience for each post.
In 2025, Facebook has improved these settings so they are easier to navigate and more transparent. Regularly reviewing and updating your privacy settings is essential as new features are introduced and you may inadvertently share more information than intended. Be sure to take the time to review and update these settings based on your privacy preferences.
Be careful with third-party apps and permissions
Facebook allows third-party applications to access some of your data, such as your name, email address, and location. While many apps are integrated with Facebook for convenience, they can also pose a threat to your privacy. Some apps may collect more information than necessary, leading to potential misuse of your personal information.
To avoid this, regularly check the apps connected to your Facebook account. You can do this by going to the Apps & Sites section in your Facebook settings. Here you can remove any apps you no longer use or trust. Always make sure that the apps you grant permission to can only access the information they need, and be careful when granting broad permissions.
In 2025, Facebook will also give you more control over the data shared with third-party apps, allowing you to limit the scope of permissions granted. Limiting these permissions is a simple but effective way to reduce the chances of your personal information being exposed to unauthorized third parties.
Use strong, unique passwords
A strong, unique password is one of the most important ways to protect your Facebook account from unauthorized access. If your password is weak or reused across multiple websites, your account could be at risk if one of these other platforms is compromised.
In 2025, using a password manager is highly recommended. A password manager will securely store and manage all of your passwords, allowing you to use complex, unique passwords for each account without having to remember them. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Facebook account for additional security. With 2FA enabled, someone who can get hold of your password will still need a code sent to your phone or email address to access your account.
Avoid sharing too much personal information
Although Facebook is a social platform, it’s important to be careful about what you share. Sharing too much personal information can expose you to various threats, including identity theft, phishing, or harassment. Avoid posting sensitive data like your full address, phone number, or financial information. In 2025, users will be encouraged to be more cautious about sharing location data, as this information can be exploited by malicious actors.
Think carefully about what you share on your profile and what you post on your timeline. While it may feel nice to share updates from your life or check in on your favorite places, remember that doing so may inadvertently expose your data to a larger audience. Always consider the long-term impact of what you share and whether it’s necessary.
Monitor your Facebook activity log
Facebook offers an “activity log” that allows you to review and manage your actions on the platform. They can see everything from your likes and comments to your searches and posts. Regularly checking your activity log can help you spot suspicious activity and ensure you’re aware of the data you’re sharing.
In 2025, Facebook has made it even easier to control and delete past posts, likes, and comments. If you no longer want certain information to be visible to others, you can delete it or adjust privacy settings to make it visible only to you or a select group of people. By monitoring your activity log, you’ll know what personal information is being shared with the public.
Beware of phishing scams and fake links
Phishing scams are one of the most common threats to Facebook users and can be particularly difficult to detect. Malicious actors often impersonate Facebook or other trusted companies and send messages or emails asking for personal information like your login details or redirecting you to fake login pages.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, be careful when clicking on links in messages or emails. Never give your personal information to anyone you don’t trust, and always check if a link leads to the official Facebook website before entering sensitive information. In 2025, Facebook continues to improve its security features to help users spot phishing attempts, including warnings about suspicious links and login attempts. Stay alert and report suspicious activity to Facebook.
Adjust your ad settings
Facebook collects data about your activity across the platform to show you personalized ads. While personalized ads can improve your experience, it’s also important to know how much data Facebook collects. You can adjust your ad settings to limit the information Facebook uses to target ads to you.
In 2025, Facebook introduced more granular ad settings that allow users to choose how much personal information they want to share for advertising purposes. If privacy is important to you, you may want to limit your advertising preferences to the most relevant and necessary categories, or opt out of certain types of ads altogether.
Protect your devices
Securing your devices is just as important as securing your Facebook account. Always make sure your devices, including your smartphone, tablet, and computer, are protected with strong passwords or biometric locks. Install antivirus software to protect your devices from malware and other threats that may try to steal your information.
In 2025, Facebook is equipped with many security features like Device Management, which allows you to see where your account is logged in. If you notice unknown devices or locations accessing your Facebook account, you can log them out remotely. Securing your devices will ensure that your Facebook account remains safe from unauthorized access.
Conclusion
In 2025, it is entirely possible to stay on Facebook while protecting your data by taking proactive steps to protect your privacy. Regularly reviewing your privacy settings, being mindful of what you share, securing your account with strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts are important practices to ensure your personal information remains safe.
While Facebook remains a valuable tool for social interaction, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your online safety. By following these guidelines and taking advantage of Facebook’s enhanced privacy features, you can continue to use the platform without compromising your data security. Your digital footprint matters, and protecting your privacy on Facebook should be a top priority to ensure a safer and more enjoyable social media experience.
