Hackers, crooks and busybodies are always on the prowl for sensitive information on unsuspecting Facebook users, and one of their favorite hangouts is at venues that offer free, unsecured Wi-Fi service such as restaurants, airports and libraries. And if you have an unsecured wireless router in use inside your home (not recommended!) they can even steal your info while sitting in your driveway!

You can protect yourself and your Facebook account from hackers, thieves and other scoundrels by securing your account using HTTPS encryption. Here’s how to turn it on:

1 – Open the Facebook Main Menu by clicking on the little icon that resembles and asterisk in the uper right-hand corner of the screen. You’ll find it just to the right of the little “lock” icon.

2 – Click “Account Settings”.

3 – Click “Security” from the menu in the left-hand column.

4 – Find the “Secure Browsing” setting and click “Edit”.

5 – Check the box beside “Browse Facebook on a secure connection (https) when possible.”

6  – Click “Save Changes”.

That’s all the there is to it. Now all of your Facebook Internet traffic will be encrypted, safeguarding your sensitive data and privacy.