On Wednesday, 31st May 2017, Facebook launched the re-design of the security settings page on everyone’s account and we think that it’s been a long time coming. Here, at Think Cirrus, security underpins everything we do and after reading all about it we’d like to go through an abridged version with you. They want all of your accounts to be secure, whether it’s Facebook or Outlook. So here is something you can do to ensure you’re safe and secure when updating friends and family on Facebook.
According to Facebook: “Many people want to improve their security but simply don’t know where to begin.” As a result, Facebook have moved things around a bit so they are more visible. Now, when you access your security settings page, you’ll see things like two-factor authentication and Trusted Contacts at the very top in a recommended section. These feature recommendations are customised to suit the needs of each person.
So, if haven’t looked at these settings in a while – log out of Facebook and Google yourself. This is what people can see. And when I say people, I mean prospective employers, hackers, ex-partners, prospective new partners… anyway, you get my drift.
Here a few things I’d recommend you do straight away:
1) Where you’re logged in
I had to log out and in again because apparently, I was also logged in across other parts of Cheshire! Bad news! Or is it? Now that could be because I’ve done a bit of travelling – and the geolocation tracking measure isn’t a good indicator of where you are. A lot of the time it’s using the IP address of where your service provider is based. For example, the boss’ tablet is at his house in Chester but it’s saying he’s logged in, in Kent. So, here at Think Cirrus, we must be a little dubious – but we’re always cautious. So, we’ve just logged in and out to ensure that we’re only logged into the devices we’re using now. See picture below of the Security and Login page.
- 2) Change Password
Truthfully, when was the last time you changed your password? And do you use this password for every other account you have? Have you ever shared your password with anyone at any time? If this is the case then I’d recommend you change your password… now?
I changed mine last week after Facebook notified me that mu account may have been compromised. I was sat in the theatre – thinking that I had all my security settings enabled and filtered. But apparently, I had set all views of my account the public.
- 3) Setting up extra security
Enable ‘Get Alerts about unrecognised logins’ – this means that if anyone logs in from a device or browsers you don’t normally use, you be notified and then in a better position to act – If any unusual activity were to be announced.
Enable ‘Use two-factor authentication’
Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps protect your Facebook account in addition to your password. If you set up two-factor authentication, you’ll be asked to enter a special security code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a computer or mobile device Facebook doesn’t don’t recognise.
To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings by clicking in the top-right corner of Facebook and clicking Settings > Security and Login.
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit
- Choose the authentication method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions
- Click Enable once you’ve selected and turned on an authentication method
There are several authentication methods you can use with your Facebook account when logging in from an unrecognised computer or mobile device:
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone
- Security codes from Code Generator
- Tapping your security keyon a compatible device
- Security codes from a third party app
- Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize
- Using one of your printed recovery codes
Keep in mind: You can use as many authentication methods as you’d like, but you need to have at least text message (SMS) codes turned on, or at least both a security key and Code Generator turned on.
Other Useful Resources
- If you haven’t saved the computer or mobile device you’re using, you’ll be asked to do so when you turn on two-factor authentication. This way you won’t have to enter a security code when you log in again. Don’t click Save this browser if you’re using a public computer that other people can access (example: a library computer).
- Facebook needs to be able to remember your computer and browser information so Facebook can recognise it the 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.
