Facebook is a popular social media platform that offers a wide range of features to its users. With its widespread popularity and vast user base, it has become a prime target for cybercriminals looking to steal personal information. While Facebook does provide some security features, there are additional steps you can take to further safeguard your account. In this little guide, we will discuss five crucial steps you can take to increase the security of your Facebook account, and protect your personal information from cyber threats. By following these steps, you can ensure that your Facebook account remains secure and protected from unauthorized access.
1- Use a strong password
This one seems so obvious, but unfortunately, it was neglected by many!. The first step to making your Facebook account safe is to use a strong password. A strong password is one that is difficult for others to guess or crack. It should be long, complex, and unique. Here are some tips on how to create a strong password:
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information like your name, birthdate, or phone number.
- Use a passphrase instead of a password. A passphrase is a series of random words that are easy to remember but hard to guess. For example, “CorrectHorseBatteryStaple” is a strong passphrase.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If one account gets hacked, all of your other accounts will be vulnerable as well.
- Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords. A password manager is a software that creates and remembers complex passwords for you, so you don’t have to. For instance, in google chrome, to get to its password manager, go to settings –> autofill, open new tap and go to the following address: chrome://settings/passwords
- Change your password regularly. It’s recommended to change your password at least once every three months.
To change your Facebook password, go to the “Settings” menu, select “Security and Login,” and click “Change Password.” Enter your current password and your new password, then click “Save Changes.”
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2- Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code in addition to your password when logging in to your Facebook account. This code is usually sent to your phone or email, and you’ll need to enter it within a certain time frame to access your account.
Enabling 2FA on your Facebook account can greatly reduce the risk of someone else accessing your account without your permission, even if they have your password. Here’s how to enable 2FA on Facebook:
- Go to the “Settings” menu and select “Security and Login.”
- Scroll down to the “Two-Factor Authentication” section and click “Edit.”
- Choose the method you want to use to receive your code, such as text message, authentication app, or a physical security key.
- Follow the prompts to set up your 2FA method of choice.
- Once you’ve set up 2FA, you’ll be asked to enter a code every time you log in to your Facebook account from a new device or browser.
3- Review your privacy settings
Facebook has a lot of features and settings that allow you to control who sees your posts and personal information. Reviewing your privacy settings can help you keep your personal information safe and secure. Here are some tips on how to review and adjust your privacy settings:
- Go to the “Settings” menu and select “Privacy.”
- Review each of the settings and adjust them to your preferences. For example, you can choose who can see your posts, who can send you friend requests, and who can look you up using your email address or phone number.
- Be cautious when sharing personal information like your phone number or home address. Only share this information with people you trust.
- Consider limiting the visibility of your profile to people you know. You can do this by changing the settings in the “Who can see my profile” section.
- Take advantage of the “Activity Log” feature to review and delete old posts and activity on your Facebook account.
4- Beware of phishing scams
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by hackers to steal your login credentials and gain access to your Facebook account. Phishing scams can take many forms, but they typically involve a fake email or website that looks like it’s from Facebook, asking you to enter your login information.
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling for a phishing scam:
- Check the URL. Before entering your login information on a website, check the URL to make sure it’s the official Facebook website. The URL should start with “https://www.facebook.com/.” If it’s a different URL or looks suspicious, don’t enter your login information.
- Don’t click on links in emails. If you receive an email that looks like it’s from Facebook, don’t click on any links in the email. Instead, go directly to the Facebook website and log in to your account from there.
- Be cautious of pop-ups. If you see a pop-up on a website asking you to log in to your Facebook account, don’t enter your login information. It could be a phishing scam.
- Don’t share your login information. Never share your login information with anyone, even if they claim to be from Facebook or a trusted source.
- Use antivirus software. Antivirus software can help protect you from phishing scams by blocking malicious websites and emails.
If you think you’ve fallen for a phishing scam and someone has accessed your Facebook account, immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication. You should also review your recent activity to see if there have been any unauthorized posts or messages.
5- Keep your device and browser secure
Even if you’ve taken all the steps to secure your Facebook account, your account could still be vulnerable if your device or browser is compromised. Here are some tips to help you keep your device and browser secure:
- Keep your operating system up to date. Regularly updating your operating system can help fix security vulnerabilities and keep your device secure.
- Install antivirus software. Antivirus software can help protect your device from malware and other security threats.
- Use a secure browser. Make sure you’re using a secure browser that has features like anti-phishing protection and automatic security updates.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can help protect your online activity by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
- Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure and make it easy for hackers to steal your login credentials. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect your connection.
By following these steps, you can greatly increase the security of your Facebook account and protect your personal information from unauthorized access. Remember to always be cautious of suspicious emails and websites, keep your device and browser secure, and regularly review and adjust your privacy settings.