While Facebook is fast becoming an essential marketing tool, it is important that brands ensure their Facebook page is as secure as possible.

Facebook uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption which greatly reduces the threat of pages being accessed by outsiders, yet there are some simple precautions admins can implement to make pages even more secure.

1. Moderate page admins

Over time businesses may accumulate numerous Facebook page admins, many of whom may no longer be current employees.

Facebook admins have the ability to manipulate a brand’s online presence, so only employees who need access should be included as admins.

2. Research third-party apps

Before using a third-party application be aware of how much data the app is accessing. If you have any concerns you should ask the development company what they do with the data.

Make sure the development company has robust security measures in place, such as SSL encryption and expiring passwords.

3. Change and protect your password

Yes, it’s obvious, but often not observed.

While it’s tempting to use the same password across different web programs, resist the urge. Recently the Ramnit Worm stole 45,000 Facebook login credentials, and users who use the same password are leaving themselves open.

Programs such as Passpack can help keep track of your passwords.

4. Moderate the Wall

Most fans will be coming to your page to learn more about your brand, but the doesn’t mean the wall shouldn't constantly be monitored for spam links.

Facebook’s Moderation Blocklists will help keep inappropriate content off your wall and comments to posts. Facebook has automatic profanity blockers, and with Moderation Blocklists you can add to the list of words which will result in a comment being blocked. The list can be found under ‘Edit Page’ then ‘Manage Permissions’.

It’s also a good idea to include a disclaimer giving you the right to remove any content deemed inappropriate in the ‘About’ section on your Facebook page.