Your Facebook account is a prime target for cybercriminals. You certainly don’t want a hacker to get hold of your personal information (date of birth, phone number and such) to post it everywhere or try to gain access to your other accounts.
Securing your account with a strong, unique password – possibly generated using a password manager – is the first step to securing your Facebook account.
By adding two-factor authentication (2FA) – also known as multi-factor authentication – you can, however, add a layer of security to your account to keep intruders out, even if they’ve managed to sneak in. hand over your password.
When your account is secured with two-factor authentication, the attacker usually needs to have physical access to the device you use to secure your account. This is a much bigger hurdle than just getting your password.
In addition, when two-factor authentication is configured, you receive an alert as soon as an attempt to access your account is detected. So your password may have been compromised, but your account will still be protected.
As a result, cybercriminals are likely to give up, given the effort involved in the face of other less secure accounts.
Here’s how to set up two-factor authentication for your Facebook account.
How to set up two-factor authentication for your Facebook account using the Facebook app?
Image: Getty
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- From your homepage, tap the three horizontal lines located just below the Facebook Messenger icon. This will open the menu.
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- Go into Settings and Privacy – by clicking on the icon that looks like a cog in the upper right corner.
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- From this menu choose Password and Security in the section Account.
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- Scroll through this menu until you find Two-factor authentication.
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- Select a two-factor authentication method – authenticator app or text message (SMS). Facebook recommends using an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, which randomly generates passcodes each time you use the app. After making your choice, press Continue.
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- You will be prompted to configure your authenticator app (randomly Google Authenticator). If the Facebook app is on the same phone as your authenticator app, tap Configure on the same device, it will save the key in the app automatically. You can also save the key by copying the code and manually entering it into the authenticator app.
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- Confirm key registration.
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- Two-factor authentication has been activated! It provides additional protection for your account in the event of an attempt to access it from an unrecognized device or browser.
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- If you want to use SMS as a security method – or as a fallback if your authenticator app isn’t available – select Text (SMS) in the menu.
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- Select the phone number associated with your Facebook account, or enter another number you want to send a code to, then tap Continue.
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- Facebook will send a six-digit code to the number you entered. Enter it in the dedicated box and press Continue.
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- Two-factor authentication via text message is active and a code will be sent to you if you attempt to log into your account from an unrecognized device or browser.
How to set up two-factor authentication for your Facebook account using a web browser.
Image: Getty
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- From your home page, navigate to Account Settings by clicking the arrow in the top right corner
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- Open the drop-down menu and select Settings and Privacy“, then click “Settings“.
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- Look for the menu Security and connection on the left side of the screen and click on it.
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- In this menu, find the section Two-factor authentication and select Use two-factor authentication.
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- Select a two-factor authentication method. Facebook recommends using an authenticator app such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, both of which randomly generate passcodes each time you use the app.
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- A QR code will appear on the screen – scan it using your authenticator app. You can also manually enter the code that appears in your authenticator app.
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- Confirm key registration.
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- Two-factor authentication has been enabled – providing an extra layer of security to your account.
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- If you want to use SMS as your authentication method – or as a fallback option if your authentication is not available – select Text (SMS).
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- Select the phone number associated with your Facebook account, or enter another number you want to send a code to, then tap Continue.
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- Facebook will send a six-digit code to the number you entered. Enter it in the dedicated box and press Continue.
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- Two-factor authentication via text message is active and a code will be sent to you if you attempt to log into your account from an unrecognized device or browser.
Source: “ZDNet.com”