It’s Imperative to Keep Your Facebook Account as Secure as Possible

Security is critical with Facebook. Suppose a stranger got into your account and posted as if they were you? Unfortunately, this happens often. You should take any measures that you can NOW in order to prevent this problem and others that could happen if your account is not sufficiently secure.

Keep imposters from logging in to your account

​Passwords — First of all, have a strong password. Avoid having things in your password like actual words, birthdays, phone numbers, etc. The longer and more complicated your password, the better.

Two-Factor Authorization — Next, enable Two-Factor Authorization. When you turn on two-factor authentication, you’ll be prompted to enter a special security code each time you access your Facebook account from a new computer, phone, or browser. One common way to get the code is for Facebook to SMS text it to your mobile phone.

Strengthening Your Two-Factor Authorization:

The following are tools that work in tandem with Two-Factor Authorization and can make it stronger or more user-friendly.

Security Keys — A security key is a small hardware device that can be used to help keep your Facebook account secure. Security keys are a method of two-factor authentication that adds a layer of security to logging in, often used on top of other two-factor authentication methods like text message (SMS) codes or a third-party authentication app. When the key is in your physical possession, only you can authorize a login to your account, even if the password is entered correctly.

Code Generator — Code Generator is a security feature for your Facebook app used with two-factor authentication. When you turn it on, your phone will generate a special security code that you can use to verify it’s you when you log in from a new device or browser. Code Generator works on your mobile device, even if you don’t have access to text messaging (SMS) or an Internet connection. You can also use it if you ever need to reset your password.

Authentication App — When you turn on two-factor authentication, you’re asked to choose either a security key, text message (SMS) codes or a third-party authentication app as your primary security method. A third-party authentication app (such as Google Authenticator or LastPass) can be used to generate login codes that help us confirm it’s you when you log in from a new device for the first time.

Get notifications

You can adjust your settings so that Facebook sends you a notification any time someone attempts to access your account from an unrecognized device. Notifications can be set to appear on Facebook, in your email, and to SMS text message.

Click here for a video tour of your Facebook profile settings.

What if you get locked out yourself?

Let’s say your phone gets lost, including all of your passwords. Then you won’t be able to login to your account or get a code sent to your phone through Two-Factor Authorization. Luckily, Facebook offers several features to help you get back in. Here they are:

Recovery Codes — If you’ve turned on two-factor authentication, you can get 10 recovery login codes to use when you’re unable to use your phone.

Trusted Contacts – This allows you to designate 3 – 5 of your Facebook friends to whom a recovery code can be sent, which they can then give you.

In Closing

It only takes minutes to set up Facebook account security features, but doing so can possibly help you avoid huge inconveniences, disruptions, and damage to your reputation. Not to mention costs that could result if a hacker sets up ads that bill to your credit card.