The Facebook Graph Search feature is roughly like the searching machine of Google, but focuses only on the content of the social network. Below we will mention some use cases of Facebook Graph Search, which will probably make you worry.
What is and what does Facebook Graph Search do?
Facebook Graph Search lets you essentially become a loverart data collector. You can search for data such as likes, interests, collaborations, not only from your friends but also from completely unknown Facebook profiles (if Privacy Settings they are relaxed).
Advertisers probably find the feature very interesting for obvious reasons. The "grooms" of the social network are very happy, as they can discover unaccompanied ladies near their area. Of course, the scammers could not be missing from the above list.
Are you worried? If not, let's look at some Case Studies. With Facebook Search, Graph Search you can get very targeted results. You can choose from a very large list of people only the features you ask for, as the search engine has categorized everything.
Why the Cheats Believe in Graph Search:
How could Graph Search malware be used? Let's say you're a scammer who wants to create a phishing scam that targets seniors in the Attica region. You might want to fool them using their personal information to tell them they won something.
Facebook Graph Search could be used to give you very personalized and targeted data, to the kind of people who may be sensitive to this type of attack.
I could search Graph Search for people over the age of 70 who live in Attica, and are interested in sweepstakes, lotteries, or a particular game, say Wheel of Fortune. You could then write a phishing e-mail with content designed to pique their interest. With the choice of your victims from Graph Search, you have a much better chance of success.
Why Stalkers Love It:
Let's say you are looking for a girl. With Graph Search you can search for “unmarried women between 25-30 who graduated from the University of Piraeus and live in Nice.
Again, depending on your privacy settings, you could have very targeted results in your search. The results could include a photo, a list of things they like, places they frequent, places they want to go, and possibly many other useful information.
How can you protect yourself from Graph Search?
Lock your privacy settings
You will need to take another look at your privacy settings to share as little as possible with those who are not your "friends".
Watch your likes!
One of the things that collects Facebook Graph Search is likes, which can tell you so much about you. Graph Search is designed to look like like data that needs categorization. Once you click on Facebook like, you've placed yourself in a category like it, whatever it was that you liked.
Did you like a movie, a song, a TV show? Guess what? Just give 3 Facebook categories to add yourself.
