It seems there is never a shortage of new hacks, new viruses, and the like. Most of them can be treated as “noise”, or just watched to see how they go, relying on our set of security tools. But other times, some come to my attention and warrant some action.
As I mentioned in my post How to Stop Spam Comments, I am being barraged by someone trying to hack into my WP login. Now, I’ve got someone trying to get into my Facebook account. Oy.
Did you know several readily available applications can capture Facebook traffic on both wired and wireless networks? It’s trivial to download one of these applications and just start harvesting logon credentials whenever anyone fires up Facebook. Once captured, these can be used to log into the account as the owner.
Here’s How You Can Protect Yourself from Facebook Hacking.
It is as simple as using the Facebook Connection Security Configuration.
{I am not a security expert, but these configurations have helped me.}
1. Configure Facebook settings to use HTTPS for all interactions.
Click the drop down arrow beside home >Account Settings > Security
2. Click the edit link on the secure browsing line,
Then check the box to browse on Facebook on a secure connection when possible and save changes.
3. Under the secure browsing, edit the login notifications. I have an email sent to me when my account is accessed from a computer or mobile device I haven’t used before.
4. For a higher level of security (with some added complication), you might consider using Login Approvals and selecting “Require me to enter a security code sent to my phone (when an unrecognized computer or device tries to access my account)”.
5. You may also choose to have an app password added to your account.
App passwords are one-time passwords you can use to log in to your apps. Using app passwords will help keep your Facebook password safe. And if you have login approvals turned on, when you use an app password you won’t have to wait to receive a code. Instead, you can skip login approvals and log in immediately.
But be warned -
For now, I have chosen to skip this step.
Putting it all together, when I sign in from a new device (or clear my cache) I get the following:
And then the email to let me know:
I hope this helps you secure your Facebook account!
And don’t forget, changing your password every couple weeks is also helpful!
Thanks for this great information. Such a big help. :)
Synz | Synz Memoir recently posted..Molave Milk Station
You’re welcome. I hope it helps you!
Carolyn recently posted..Another Opportunity to #PayItForward
I agree – great tips. I had my FB account hacked and diet ads were posted on all my FB friends’ walls. What surprised me was how angry some people got. Mostly those connections who I don’t know that well. It was very frustrating to get a bunch of e-mails complaining about something I didn’t do.
There was also a place to report the hack to FB. That seemed to solve the problem.
Thanks again for the post. It was good reassurance.
Aruna – Young Yoga Masters recently posted..Kids Yoga Teachers of the World – Unite
I’ve had it hacked (along with email). I’ve also had numerous emails about “sorry you can’t access your account..” which tells me someone is still trying to get in. Probably because I wrote this post! Either way, I’ve got these security measures in place + a super LONG password.
Carolyn recently posted..My One Word for 2013
Thank you for the detailed instructions. The screenshots are very helpful!
Corinna recently posted..Gino’s Homemade Salsa
Great, I hope they help!
Carolyn recently posted..My One Word for 2013
I’ve actually felt really sorry for some of my Facebook friends when they’ve been hacked. Sometimes the posts are so “inappropriate” , and they get so embarrassed. These are good tips ~ thanks.
Buhle Goslar recently posted..Defending the ‘chick flick’
I’ve had a few pop up for me, and gently let my friends know they’ve been hacked.
Carolyn recently posted..My One Word for 2013
Wonderful advice!!! I’ve not had my FB account hacked (so far) and hopefully thanks to your terrific step-by-step advice I won’t going forward. I have had twitter hacks and they’re a nightmare to deal with. Thanks again for taking the time to share this!
Thanks. Unfortunately I have :( AND someone is still trying to hack in. Just this morning I got an email letting me know FB is “sorry I’m having problems with my login” except – I’m not….
Truly an informational article. Thank the Lord I have not had my account hacked.
Blessings~
Alethea
Alethea recently posted..Submit to YOUR Husband
I glad it will help you!