Over a billion people communicate through Facebook Messenger every day. While Facebook says it takes measures to keep users’ information private, how secure are those billions of messages really?
Here, Facebook shares information on how some of its security works, while Vyas Sekar, a faculty member of CyLab at Carnegie Melon University and a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, breaks down how someone might still find ways around it.
What security measures does Facebook Messenger take?
Facebook’s Messenger feature and app already include a fair amount of security. According to Facebook, Messenger uses the same secure communications protocols as banking and shopping sites. The company also says it uses additional protection to stop spam and malware.
As of 2016, Facebook added an additional security feature called “secret conversations,” which offers an encryption enhancement that Sekar says is similar to default features from messaging apps WhatsApp (which Facebook owns) and Signal. The messages are end-to-end encrypted, which means not even Facebook can access them. However, while these encryption options are on by default in apps like WhatsApp and Signal, users must choose to activate encryption on Facebook Messenger.
Can people get around Facebook’s security?
It’s important to note, Sekar says, that “anything can be hacked.” More importantly, he adds that sometimes no amount of back-end security will stop someone from accessing your messages if they decide to do so by physically accessing the device they’re on. And if someone is able to access your device, besides simply glancing at your messages, they might also be able to install a hidden spying app that can continue to access information in the background of your phone or computer.
It’s also possible for hackers to target a user’s Facebook password by using password-cracking tools or exploiting the ability to reset a password, then use that to sign into a victim’s Facebook account. “There’s often enough someone can see on a public profile that gives enough information to crack a password,” Sekar says.
Hackers can also download a fake app that can mimic Facebook or Messenger’s interface, Sekar said, which may also be used to prompt a user to put in information, like a password, that can be used by someone else.
How can I protect myself from having my messages hacked?
Since a major route around Facebook’s protections involves gaining access to a person’s phone, one way to help ensure your messages won’t be read is keeping your device secure, Sekar says. He recommends making sure there’s a password on your device and that it isn’t left unlocked to prevent people from gaining access in the first place.
Sekar adds that making sure passwords use information that isn’t publicly available and using different passwords for different accounts will also help make it hard for people to get into your account.
FAQs
End-to-end encrypted conversations on Messenger are secure and only read by you and the other person.
Can anyone see my Facebook messages? ›
It depends on your privacy settings. If your privacy settings allow for anyone to message you, then strangers may be able to see your Facebook messages sent via Messenger. However, if your privacy settings only allow for messages from friends, then strangers will not be able to see your messages.
Can the government see my Facebook messages? ›
The government can request user data from Facebook, including messages, through a legal process such as a subpoena or a warrant.
Are Messenger chats monitored? ›
Facebook revealed this week that it's scanning users' Messenger conversations – including text chats, pictures, and links – in an effort to ensure that people play by its rules.
Can Facebook Messenger messages be traced? ›
Texts, Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Communications are Traceable. Short answer, YES.
Can Facebook messages be traced after deleted? ›
Once you delete a Facebook message, it's gone for good — at least, from a strict Facebook Messenger perspective. But there are things you can do to get those messages back from other sources, like your app cache, archives, or previous Facebook messenger downloads.
Can someone access my Messenger? ›
Sometimes, hackers take over a user's Messenger through an application installed knowingly or unknowingly. If you've been hacked, check your devices for suspicious applications. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps and Websites. From there, remove any suspicious applications.
How do I keep my Facebook messages private? ›
From the menu, tap Privacy & safety. Under the Privacy & safety tab on Messenger, you can control privacy settings for: Messaging settings. You can use these settings to controlwho can reach your inbox.
What is the difference between Facebook chat and Messenger? ›
What is the difference between a person talking on Facebook chat or on Messenger? It just means that the person on Messenger is using cell phone while the person on Facebook chat is online from desktop browser. Although Messenger is available through web also, fewer people use it this way.
Can Facebook messages be traced by police? ›
They likely need to get a warrant
The company will then turn over the contents of the Facebook messages to the proper authorities – with or without that person's phone. This does not mean that you have to show the police what is on your phone or tell them about the contents of the message just because they've asked.
Since it doesn't use your cellular network for the call, it usually won't show up on your phone bill as a traditional phone call. Instead, it's treated as data usage.
How do I make my Facebook Messenger private? ›
How to create a secret conversation in Messenger
- Open the Messenger app on your Android or iOS device.
- Tap the compose message icon in the top-right corner. ...
- A list of all your contacts will appear. ...
- Tap on the person who you want to have a secret conversation with.
Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers
One popular app, mSpy, boasts the ability to monitor text messages, calls and social media interactions. The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly.
Can you see Facebook messages from someone you aren t friends with? ›
If someone who you're not connected with on Facebook sends you a message, you'll receive a message request. Replying to a message request connects you with the person who sent the request and lets you see any media they sent you.
Can a non friend see my Messenger notes? ›
Yes, you can control who can see your notes on Messenger. To do this, go to your Messenger settings and click on "Privacy." From there, you can select who can see your notes - either everyone, friends of friends, or only you.
