Facebook Inc. (FB) Upgrades Its User Security Marketplace

Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB), for all of its challenges with compiling and storing user data and information, it has made a concerted effort to protect users from security threats like malware or rogue Web sites by offering a security marketplace. This marketplace has now expanded and is offering more choices and better opportunities for users to protect their computers and even mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) has opened up its marketplace by adding several new companies, which apparently were willing to pay Faceook Inc. (FB) a fee for the privilege of being in the marketplace and available to 1 billion users worldwide. It appears that virtually every major cybersecurity company is now featured in the marketplace – names like Norton, avast!, AVG and McAfee, among others – now that the marketplace has been in effect for about six months. Faceboook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) claims about 30 million people have visited the marketplace in thsoe six months, with many of them downloading the free trial software offered by the companies.

Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) has no numbers as to numbers of downloads or lists the most popular security downloads among users. Most of the trials are for six months, with users then encouraged to purchase a subscription. One company, however, provides only a seen-day trial – McAfee for Android users. All of the companies provide software for various mobile platforms as well as for PC and Mac computers.

This marketplace apparently not only provides an avenue for advertising by the security companies and a revenue stream for Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB), but it also helps Facebook Inc. (FB) protect users. These companies are supposed to provide Facebook with information about Web sites they know to be rogue sites that contain malware. Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) then would compile a database of these Web sites and use the information to block links from those sites from appearing on user pages and/or news feeds.

Having a more robust marketplace for cybersecurity firms and the ability to protect users from nefarious links and Web sites is at least a positive step to protect users and their information. It’s a small step for Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB), but investors like billionaire fund manager George Soros of Soros Fund Management might appreciate the project.