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10 Steps to Protect Your Facebook Account Without Buying a Blue Tick

Even without having the blue tick on Facebook, you can still secure your account from the risk of being attacked by malicious individuals.

Administrator

27 February, 2024

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Recently, Meta announced that it will be testing Meta Verified, a subscription service on Facebook and Instagram that provides a blue check, verifying users’ accounts with government-issued identification. Meta Verified will provide better protection for users’ accounts, along with other benefits.

If you don’t want to pay for Meta’s blue check, how can you still keep your account safe from potential attacks? Below are 12 steps that any user can take, and they’re completely free.

1. Set up two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security feature to protect your Facebook account. By enabling two-factor authentication, you will be required to enter a special login code or confirm your login every time someone accesses Facebook from a browser or mobile device that Facebook doesn’t recognize. You can also receive alerts when someone logs in from a browser or mobile device that we don’t recognize.

To activate, go to Security and Login Settings > Use two-factor authentication > Edit, then choose the security method you want to add. You will be prompted to choose from 3 options: using the security key on a compatible device, a login code from a third-party authentication app, or a code sent via SMS on your phone.

Meta Verified provides better protection against impersonation. (Image: India Times)

2. Use long, complex passwords

Make sure your password contains a combination of letters, numbers, special characters, uppercase, and lowercase. Also, don’t forget to change your passwords every few months.

3. Always use a reliable password manager

A password manager is software that remembers your passwords, allowing you to store and recall all your user account passwords. There are many such tools available, but you should choose ones that are highly recommended by security experts, such as LastPass, 1Password, etc.

4. Don’t share your login information

Never share your login information with anyone for any reason.

5. Activate login alerts

Add an extra layer of security by enabling Get alerts about unrecognized logins. The alerts will let you know which devices attempted to log in and their location.

To activate, go to Security and Login Settings > Get alerts about unrecognized logins, click Edit. Choose where you want to receive the alerts, such as your email account or notifications on Facebook from recognized devices. Click Save Changes.

6. Check your login sessions

In the Security and Login Settings, you can see all the places where you’ve logged into Facebook. Each entry includes the date, time, location, and device type. Here, you can log out of Facebook on other computers, phones, or tablets by finding the session you want to end, clicking the three dots, then selecting Log Out.

7. Review connected apps and websites

Apps, websites, and games that you’ve connected or logged into with your Facebook account can be recorded as active, removed, or expired within your account – based on your usage frequency and the status of the app/website.

To view connected apps and websites, click on your profile picture at the top right of Facebook, choose Settings & Privacy, then click on Settings. Click on Apps and Websites on the left side. Click Remove next to the app, website, or game you want to remove.

8. Hide your friends list and followers

On your profile page, you should hide your friends list and followers. Malicious individuals can create an account using your name and photo, then send friend requests to all your friends, and send spam messages containing phishing links. This is an old but still effective method of attack on both Facebook and Instagram.

9. Be cautious of suspicious links

Always double-check any links sent to you through chat or email, regardless of who the sender is. Phishing attacks are extremely common these days, and attackers are getting smarter. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of these sophisticated attackers.

10. Review browser extensions

Make sure your browser is always up to date with the latest version and remove any suspicious apps or browser extensions.

Source: ICTNews

Frequently asked questions

There are several steps you can take to enhance the security of your account without subscribing to Meta Verified. These include enabling two-factor authentication, creating strong and unique passwords, using a reliable password manager, and never sharing your login information. Additionally, activating login alerts, regularly reviewing your login sessions and connected apps, and being cautious of suspicious links can also help keep your account secure.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Facebook account. When enabled, you will be required to enter a special login code or confirm your login whenever someone attempts to access your account from an unrecognized device or browser. To activate it, go to Security and Login Settings, select “Use two-factor authentication,” and then choose your preferred security method from the options provided.

It is generally recommended to change your passwords every few months. This helps to ensure that even if your password is compromised, the breach will have a limited impact. Additionally, using long and complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, special characters, and uppercase and lowercase letters can make it harder for attackers to guess or crack your password.

A password manager is a software tool that securely stores and remembers your passwords for various online accounts. This helps you use strong, unique passwords without the burden of memorizing them all. Reputable options include LastPass and 1Password, which are recommended by security experts.

Sharing your login information compromises the security of your account. It increases the risk of unauthorized access and makes it difficult to hold others accountable for any actions taken using your credentials. By keeping your login information private, you maintain control over your account and reduce the chances of it being misused or compromised.

To enable login alerts, go to Security and Login Settings and select “Get alerts about unrecognized logins.” You can then choose to receive these alerts via email or as notifications on recognized devices. This feature adds an extra layer of security by notifying you of any login attempts from unrecognized devices or locations.

Reviewing your login sessions allows you to identify any suspicious activity and ensure that only authorized devices have access to your account. By regularly checking your connected apps and websites, you can remove any that you no longer use or don’t recognize, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data sharing.

Phishing attacks often involve sending deceptive links through chat or email. To protect your account, always double-check the sender and be cautious of any suspicious links. Regularly review your browser extensions and ensure your browser is up to date to minimize the risk of falling victim to these attacks.