Facebook, like any other website, is exposed to hackers and malicious people. However, some simple actions can reduce this risk to cyber attacks, such as creating a strong password, not accessing the service on many devices at the same time, and activating security systems created by the platform itself. Control practices promise to avoid inconvenience and improve the community experience created by Mark Zuckerberg.
Here are some tips that can help protect your Facebook account and make it harder for hackers to access personal data and information on the social network. The procedures can be done in web browsers on the computer, such as Google Chrome and Firefox or through the Android and iPhone mobile app (iOS).
READ: Facebook hacked: attack hits 50 million; know everything
Facebook: simple actions can prevent hackers from hacking your account Photo: Carolina Ochsendorf / dnetc
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1. Create a strong password and change it periodically
A strong password requires combining letters, symbols, special characters, numbers and unusual words, in addition to alternating lower and lower case. The ideal is not so short, to make the process of deciphering it even more difficult. It is also recommended not to use the same code for other online services, such as e-mails, blogs or other social networks. Another important measure is to change passwords periodically, once every five or six months, for example.
To change your Facebook password, access the "Settings" on the platform's homepage. Then, go to the "Security and Login" section, locate the "Change password" field and click "Edit".
Change your Facebook password to ensure security after a hacker attack Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
2. Confirm your phone number
Through the Facebook settings, it is possible to register a phone number for sending service confirmation codes, password recovery or communication with the social network. The action increases the control of the account by the user and serves as a method of reinforcing security. To add a phone number to Facebook, go to "Settings", then go to "Mobile" and tap the "Add a phone" button.
Add a phone number to Facebook to increase protection Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
3. Enable two-factor authentication
With the authentication of two factors, every time you log in to Facebook, a code will be sent by SMS to validate that access and, in this way, prevent the access of strangers to your account. To enable two-step authentication on Facebook, enter the "Settings" of the social network. Then, go to "Security and Login" and locate the "Two-factor authentication" field. Finally, press the "Edit" button.
Enable two-factor authentication on Facebook Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
4. Enable login alerts
Facebook can warn you whenever someone signs in to your account through a device or browser you don't normally use. To activate login alerts, go to "Settings", "Security and login", and then "Receive alerts about unrecognized logins".
Enable alerts for unknown logins on Facebook Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
5. Log out of previous sessions
A report shows all devices logged in with your Facebook account, including the time of access, the system used and the location. Through the social network settings it is possible to log out remotely and prevent access on that device. The alternative is yet another effort on the Zuckerberg platform to offer more protection to the user.
Log out of suspicious access to your Facebook Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
Another recommendation is to always log out after leaving the application. The process can be more laborious, as it will require you to enter your password with each new login, but it guarantees greater security in accesses.
6. Use anonymous tabs on browsers
When entering Facebook via browsers, the ideal is to access it through a private session (annima). In this way, the data are not recorded in navigation records and are deleted after the page is closed. Private tabs can be opened in Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Edge.
Browse Facebook on a Google Chrome tab Photo: Fernando Telles / Techtudo
7. Disable the "Keep account connected" option
The "Keep your account connected" function is practical, but it can be dangerous if you access the profile on public computers or used by many people. Facebook allows you to save your login and password to access your account with just one click on your image on the Facebook PC home screen. Disabling this option will cause your account to be logged out after the page is closed and prevent strangers from accessing your account. To disable login via photo on Facebook, go to "Settings", then "Security and login", and disable the option "Enter your profile photo".
Disable photo login on Facebook Photo: Reproduo / Rodrigo Fernandes
8. Do not click on suspicious links
Despite Facebook's efforts to protect the virtual environment and remove malicious content and links, users can still be a victim of online scams. The ideal is never to click on suspicious links, not to respond to requests for conversations from strangers on Messenger, not to access pages with "unrealistic" promotions or install applications from unknown companies. You also need to be on the lookout for fake emails received on behalf of Facebook.
No click on suspicious link on Facebook Photo: Reproduo / Barbara Mannara
If you suspect a suspicious link sent by a friend, contact the person to confirm that the content is safe. You also need to be careful with fake pages that simulate the Facebook layout on the computer so that inattentive users enter their login and password data. Therefore, always confirm that you are at https://www.facebook/.
9. Do not access public Wi-Fi networks
Avoid accessing any type of service that stores personal information on your cell phone, such as social networks, e-mails and bank accounts, when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as restaurants, shopping malls and airports. These connections are more exposed and are more vulnerable to attack by criminals, who can steal important details over the network.
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