Facebook’s CTO Bret Taylor may have found solace in the cloud, but there’s still a great deal to hash out when it comes to end users’ experience.  Here we take a look at some recent developments, with third party companies in particular profiting off some of Facebook’s own shortcomings in security and personal cloud management.

BitDefender, creator of internationally certified security software, is inviting everyone to participate in its “Enjoy the Ride” Facebook campaign. The activity aims at recognizing the efforts of BitDefender in protecting Facebook users from cyber attacks. It will run from February 18, and 14 weeks onward. Within the period, BitDefender will be organizing an array of competitions with freebies and weekly giveaways. Among many others, the items will include laptops, smartphones, and a BMW.

“BitDefender is committed to making people’s online experience safer and more enjoyable,” said Catalin Cosoi, Head of Online Threat Lab at BitDefender. “Our ‘Enjoy the Ride’ campaign is the perfect way for us to offer fun, productive engagement with the Facebook community.”

To join, one is first required to install a Facebook application. Weekly challenges will then be sent out, be it involving posting photos, artworks envisioning future cyber assaults, or finishing a story. The challenges are most probably related to BitDefender’s Facebook Security app ”Safego”, and it also aims at user engagement and getting more “Likes” at its Facebook fan page.

Apart from security awareness in order to avoid unsolicited calls, stalkers and what not, I just want to say that I love Facebook. It’s the prettiest, lightest, and most user-friendly social media network on the planet. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t love everything about it. There are just some things about the social media network that creeps me out. And just when I come to terms, it take its creepiness to a whole new level. On Facebook’s developer blog last month, they announced that they will give apps access to users’ home address and mobile number. Ah ok. Wait, what?

And do you remember the conspicuous Break Up Notifier (I swear to God I didn’t use that app, but did you)? It’s that application which allows users to follow the relationship status of certain people, and then gets notified as soon as those people change their relationship status. The app was made by Cupertino-based Digi-Q. Time to break out those vocal cords when your crush becomes available, aye?

However, the company seems to have realized how creepy the BreakUp Notifier was, and decided to come up with “Unfriend Watch” Android app instead. The application will notify you when someone unfriends you on Facebook. You can avail of the app on the web, or grab the Android app. It is available in free and premium version ($2.99), which delivers mobile notifications for lost buddies.

“It’s kind of a ‘dis’ nowadays to unfriend someone. So, naturally most people want to know when that happens to them,” explains the app creator Alex Guberman. “When you download our app you will be able to find out when you lose a friend on Facebook right away.”