Facebook recently launched several new security features to help keep personal information secure and protect users from hackers and scammers. Last week, the social networking website launched the two new features that are available to all Facebook users.
Facebook Login Notifications
In order to prevent unauthorized logins, users can now “approve” the computers and mobile devices that will be used to access their accounts. If an unauthorized computer or mobile device attempts to access the users’ account, he or she is immediately notified via text message or email. The notification includes information that explains how to reset and secure the account before personal information is accessed.
Because the new feature is not the default setting, the option must be manually turned on. In order to activate the feature, log into Facebook and select the “Account” button located at the top of the page. Select “Account Settings,” “Account Security” and “Change.” When prompted to receive notification for logins from new devices, select “Yes.” Each device that is used to access the account will have to be registered. When the process is complete, be sure to save the new settings before exiting.
Blocking Unauthorized Logins
If an unauthorized person attempts to gain access to an account, he or she will be greeted with additional verification security questions to confirm his or her identity. Users may be asked to enter their date of birth or to identify someone in a photograph.
Facebook Privacy Concerns
Despite recent criticism by some users and privacy advocates regarding security and privacy issues, the new features appear to give users more control over their personal information and protect users from external hackers. However, the features do not yet address the issue of Facebook’s privacy policies and keeping users’ personal information private.
For instance, Facebook’s “opt-in” policy shares users’ personal information with partner websites unless it is manually disabled by the user. Some personal interest information stated in a users profile may also be considered public. Visit the Facebook Privacy Guide for more information and updates or the Facebook Security page.
Several United States senators, along with Senator Charles Schumer of New York, recently asked the social networking site to make it easier for users to control and protect their privacy on Facebook. Schumer also asked the Federal Trade Commission to create guidelines for social networking websites.
Founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes and Eduardo Saverin, “thefacebook” was launched from the foursome’s Harvard dorm room in 2004. In less than one year, one million active users were part of the Facebook phenomenon. Today, the California-based social networking site has over 400 million active users.
While social networking websites provide another means of communicating with friends and family, it is also important to remember that posting something online today, may be problematic in the future.
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway - +JaceShoemaker-Galloway is more than passionate about online safety awareness. She has devoted and dedicated over five years to Internet ...
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