How Trend Micro helps Facebook

Facebook last month partnered with five companies (Microsoft, McAfee, TrendMicro, Sophos, and Symantec) to provide its users with access to full version antivirus software free for six months. The five firms also agreed to augment Facebook's URL blacklist system with their own URL blacklist databases. Last but not least, Facebook said these companies would be posting important security material to help Facebook users keep themselves, and their data, safe.

So far, we've heard from McAfee and Sophos. Microsoft and Symantec didn't really have anything interesting to add beyond talking about their security solutions, so I'm skipping them. That leaves Trend Micro.

Trend Micro gives Facebook access to its cloud security technology called Trend Micro Smart Protection Network to help block malicious links and stop malware and other attacks before they reach members' computers. The company's Smart Protection Network gathers threat information from all over the world to help stop threats before they can infect your computer or mobile devices.

The company has also offered Facebook users the following 10 security tips:

1. If you haven't already, check your Facebook privacy default settings and make sure you are comfortable with them. If you are not, adjust the settings.
2. Take care when posting. You must assume that everything you post will be available to the general public for the rest of your digital life.
3. If you have young children, be sure to talk to them about online safety concerns.
4. Become a fan of communities like Trend Micro's Fearless Web online community on Facebook and the Facebook Security Page that educate you about the latest scams and how to maintain a safe digital life.
5. Review your security settings and consider enabling login notifications. They're in the drop-down box under "Account" in the upper right hand corner of your FB home page.
6. Don't click on strange links, even if they're from friends, and notify the person if you see something suspicious.
7. Don't click on friend requests from unknown parties.
8. If you come across a scam, report it so that it can be taken down.
9. Don't download any applications you aren't certain about.
10. For using Facebook from places like hotels and airports, text "otp" to 32665 for a one-time password to your account.

"Trend Micro is an Internet security company and our mission is to protect people from online threats and cybercriminals," a Trend Micro spokesperson said in a statement. "That's why I am thrilled that Facebook is partnering with Trend Micro to help safeguard all of us that are on 'the social network.'"

You can get security tips and help from Trend Micro via its Facebook Page. I personally can't vouch for it as I've never used it myself.

See also:

• Facebook virus or account hacked? Here's how to fix it.
• Facebook teaches users how to remove adware (video)
• How Facebook protects users from malicious URLs
• Sex sells: Men fall for Facebook scams more than women
• Facebook admits it needs to fight scams more efficiently
• Facebook Immune System checks 25 billion actions every day