Security Settings on Facebook: Using a Mobile Phone to Prevent Hacking

Turning Your Favorite Accessory into Facebook Security from Hackers

Probably one of the worst things you want to hear from a friend is that your Facebook account has been hacked and "you" are sending out messages to all your friends. Then fielding all the emails, calls and text messages asking if you really are stuck in the UK after being mugged, or why "you" are sending out slutty messages to your best friend's wife (or husband - hackers don't seem to be particular).

So what are your options? A really complex password? Yes, that's a good idea. At least make sure to include a number and an uppercase letter to make it harder to crack.

Copyright: Funny Times

 

And then there is "Login Approvals."

Login Approvals is a security feature built into Facebook (not a third-part application) that sends a code by text to the registered cell phone for that user. The code must be entered prior to getting access to the account.

Since it's pretty unlikely a hacker will also happen to have your cell phone at the exact moment of logging in, it can be a good option for lots of folks. And it's not hard to use, really, as long as you don't mind waiting a couple extra seconds for the text message to go through. There's a couple of caveats, of course:

• The registered number is for a phone you don't always have with you. Forget your phone at home a lot? Might want to forget using this option.

• If you delete your cell phone number off of your Facebook account, you'll lock yourself out.

• Rarely, the text message is delayed considerably. If you're not a patient person...reconsider using this system. Every time you log in to Facebook you have to enter a code. Personally I'd rather wait a few extra seconds than get hacked. Just sayin'.

 

 

Login Approvals

What is Login Approvals? How do I turn this setting on?

Login approvals is an opt-in security feature similar to login notifications, but with an extra security step. With login approvals, you'll be asked to enter a special login code each time you try to access your Facebook account from a new computer or mobile phone. After you log in, you'll have the option to give that device a name and save it to your account. You won't have to enter a code when you log into any of these recognized devices.

To turn on Login Approvals:

1. Go to your Security Settings page (  Account Security > Security)

   
   
   

2. Click on the Login Approvals section

   

3. Check the box and save your changes [above]

Note:

• You have to have a mobile phone number listed on your account to turn on login approvals. Follow the steps provided when you check the box to turn on login approvals or learn more.

• If you haven't named this computer, you'll be asked to do so when you turn on login approvals. Do not click the Save this device option if you're using a computer that other people use (ex: a library computer).

• After you turn on login approvals, we need to be able to remember your computer and browser information so we can recognize it next time you log in. Some browser features block this. If you've turned on private browsing or set up your browser to clear your history every time it closes, you might have to enter a code every time you log in. Learn more

There you go! Now you can be safe, and perhaps slightly annoyed. Share this with your friends who get hacked and may be all be a little safer online. Or just save yourself a TON of time and get off of Facebook altogether! Yeah, right. :)

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