Every day, people in Bangladesh engage with one another through Facebook. Consequently, it is imperative for all of us to actively contribute to the safeguarding of our online data and identity, protecting them from potential theft or malicious activities.
Much like the various online platforms and services we frequently utilize in our daily lives, such as online banking, shopping, or other social media networks, Facebook offers an array of features, policies, and tools that are specifically crafted to fortify the security of your personal information and identity, shielding them from the looming threats posed by hackers.
In the following section, you will find five indispensable Facebook security tools aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both you and your information.
They’re all easily accessible on your desktop or mobile app.
From Desktop, you have to first go to Profile Avatar then Settings and Privacy and then Settings.
From the Facebook app, first, you have to go to Menu then Settings and Privacy and then Settings.
Was that me?
“Where you’re logged in” shows you the location and the devices you’ve logged in from. This is useful in flagging any unusual or strange activity not initiated by you and gives you the option to take action by logging out from that device if it’s ‘not me’ and you weren’t in that city. This is really important to check often if you access Facebook on public computers or on another person’s device.
Is that you?
It is best that you sign up to “Get alerts about unrecognized logins.” Once you’ve enabled this function you will receive a notification on your Facebook account, Facebook Messenger and registered email letting you know if anyone has logged in on an unusual or unrecognized device. Like the function above, you then have the option of selecting ‘not me’ and logging out from the device.
Try to use hard-to-guess passwords
Many people are attracted to using passwords that are easy to remember and connected to personal experiences; birthdays, anniversaries, and spouse’s and partners’ names are easy guesses. It’s best to use a range of numbers, characters and words in a unique combination, so as to make the lives of anyone using hacking software that much harder. Passwords that are longer and have a range of multiple characters are harder to crack. Visit Settings and Privacy, and click Change Password to update. This is perhaps the most important security measure you can take.
Quick tips on passwords
Your Facebook password should be different from the passwords you use to log into other accounts, like your email or bank account.
Longer passwords are usually more secure.
Your password should not be your email, phone number or birthday.
Double down on secure access
Another way to strengthen your defences is to use ‘Two-factor authentication’ or 2FA to login. Facebook’s 2FA function makes your Facebook page more secure because you have to use a combination of personal identifications to log in – typically your password as well as a unique login code that is sent to your registered mobile phone by text message (OTP - One Time Password).
This second layer of protection is widely used by banks and other online service providers where personal or financial information is involved. Once secure, you can nominate frequently used devices for Authorized Logins where you don’t need a code, and you can set up special App Passwords as well.
Watch out for malicious software
Is the app you’re about to download reputable? Keep your web browser up to date and remove suspicious applications or browser add-ons in your devices. Malicious developers create malware apps disguised as apps with fun or utility — like cartoon image editors or music players — and publish them on mobile app stores.
When a person installs the malicious app, it may ask them to “Login With Facebook” before they are able to use its promised features. If they enter their credentials, the malware steals their username and password. This allows attackers to gain full access to a person’s account and do things like message their friends or access private information.
