News - Security Issues

Facebook Offers New Security Feature

Facebook has a new security feature designed to combat increased phishing and other online fraud activities targeting its users. As Facebook’s user base grows so has its exposure to various forms of cyber attack. To diminish the likelihood of cyber attacks the company offers an alert designed to “notify you when your account is accessed from a computer or mobile device that you haven't used before.”

Facebook accounts routinely contain a wealth of personal information. If a hacker gains access to your account, they then gain access to personal information belonging to both you and many on your friend list.

The Secure Florida team recommends Facebook users routinely check the privacy settings of their Facebook account. As Facebook grows, it will update security and privacy settings, often without notice.

If you wish to activate this new alert feature simply click the “account settings” link under the account tab located on the top right of your Facebook page. Then click the “change” link to the right of Account Security. 

Read more from Lev Popov, a software engineer on Facebook's site integrity team.