16/10/2020
Too many people complain nowadays of accounts getting hacked/locked out so here is a guide to help you have better control of your account and to be safe from would-be hackers. All the settings mentioned below are found in the Settings Menu.
Follow these steps:
1. General Settings
Add an email address
An email address that only you have access to. This can be used to recover your account in the event you forget your password and provides another means of authenticating you're the owner of the account.
2. Security and Login
Two-Factor Authentication
Add a phone number, this will prevent would-be hackers from gaining access to your account as they would need secure one-time codes that are sent directly to your phone number in order to log in. That way it doesn't matter who knows your password, they will still need the 6 digit code that will be sent to your designated phone number in order to authenticate the login.
Add Authentication App
This is only if you want to go the extra mile, and locks your account with an authentication app like Google Authenticator. The app is free for download on Google Playstore (Link to the app below). Once it is added, it generates a one-time six-digit code that can be used to authenticate that it is you who is logging in. So someone may know your password but, once they try logging in they will be prompted to enter the six-digit code generated from your app. More secure and has options also to help recover your account should you lose your phone. If an unrecognized device tries logging in, your account is automatically locked and an email or text will be sent to you to notify you of this attempted login.
Authorized Logins
This is just a tab that shows a list of devices to which you have given authorization (Via one-time code from text or authenticator app) to have access to your account. Make sure to check this tab should you see some funny behavior in your account. It shows what devices are currently logged in and their IP address, to which you can use IP lookup services to see where and what ISP the device is using. However, if you already have two-factor authentication, then you don't have to worry so much.
3. Setting Up Extra Security
Get Alerts About Unrecognized Logins
As mentioned previously, with 2FA enabled you will get alerts via email or text about unrecognized logins. You can tweak these settings to also make sure you get updates via FB notifications or direct alerts via Messenger. Make sure this is turned on and the following checkboxes ticked:
As mentioned previously, with 2FA enabled you will get alerts via email or text about unrecognized logins. You can tweak these settings to also make sure you get updates via FB notifications or direct alerts via Messenger. Make sure this is turned on and the following checkboxes ticked:
- Messenger Notifications (Check)
- Email Notifications (Check)
Choose 3 to 5 Friends If You Get Locked Out
This tab provides a more secure and easy way of recovering your account if you forget your password. Also if you have 2FA enabled and you are unable to access your account because you no longer have access to your authorized devices. The setting allows you to choose up to 5 (3 minimum) Facebook friends that can help you recover your account. Nominated friends will each receive a unique code, that will be required during the account recovery process. Select friends, you trust and talk to regularly.
5. Privacy
This tab is important, review who can see and have access to your profile information, photos, etc. Default settings are set to "Everyone" change these to "Friends" or "Friends of Friends" to further limit who can find you on Facebook. Lowers the risk of stalkers/perverts or anyone who may be monitoring you for more malicious purposes. Also, another important setting to have "SWITCHED OFF" is the "Allow search engines outside Facebook to link to my profile." This prevents search engines like Google from showing you in search results should anyone try to Google you.
Facial Recognition
Now while some may have mixed feelings about this, this one is optional and strictly at your discretion. However, I can say it limits the chances of someone creating a FAKE ACCOUNT with your photos. Facial recognition will immediately pick up your photos and notify you. I do not use this for my own security reasons but it may help the "Facebook Famous" ones from the FAKE ACCOUNTS.
4. Mobile
As mentioned previously your number acts as a 2FA option to help prevent hacking and help you recover your account. Please always keep the number linked to your account up to date.
And there you have it, folks. Consider following this guide if you value online security and privacy. It will take you less than 20mins to complete and will help you in the long run. We hope it helped 😉
Link to Google Authenticator App: