How To Protect Your Facebook Account Against Cyber Attacks

With the rising conflict between India and Pakistan, people have been advised to look out for cyber attacks. If you’re an active Facebook user, now would be a good time to reassess your account’s security. Malicious entities often use vulnerable spots to hack your account or push malware. Here are the best ways to protect your Facebook account against cyber attacks.

Read Also: How To Stay Safe From Cyber Attacks On WhatsApp: Top 7 Ways

Some tips to keep in mind

Before we take a look at the methods of securing your Facebook account, here are some tips for ensuring that you don’t fall prey to cyber attacks.

• Do not click on suspicious links
• Do not download media sent to you on Messenger
• Do not follow unverified media sources
• Avoid answering messages from people you don’t know
• Do not contribute to fundraisers unless their validity has been established
• Log out of your account after using it on a public computer
• Try using a VPN

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Facebook account. Here’s how you can enable it.

Step 1: Launch the Facebook app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Expand Settings and privacy and tap on Privacy Centre.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Manage your accounts.

Step 4: Select Passwords and security.

Step 5: Tap on Two-factor authentication.

Step 6: Select your Facebook profile.

Step 7: Enter your password and hit Continue.

Step 8: Select an authentication method. In this case, we’re using the Google Authenticator app.

Step 9: Turn on the toggle switch next to Authentication app.

Step 10: Get the login code from your preferred authentication app and enter it on Facebook.

Enable Login Alerts

Step 1: Launch the Facebook app on your phone and tap your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Expand Settings and privacy and tap on Privacy Centre.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Manage your accounts.

Step 4: Select Passwords and security.

Step 5: Tap on Login alerts.

Step 6: Select your Facebook profile.

Step 7: Hit the checkbox next to In-app notifications.

Use a Strong Password

A strong password plays an essential role in safeguarding your Facebook account against cyber attacks. Hackers often use brute force attacks to crack your password. Setting a complex string as your password can deter these attacks. Check out our guide to creating a strong password. Additionally, make sure your password is unique to Facebook. Oftentimes, hackers use passwords from data leaks to target people’s social media accounts. If you use the same password for every account, it makes the task easy for hackers.

Don’t Accept Friend Requests From Unknown People

As a general rule of thumb, don’t accept Facebook friend requests from people you don’t know. Malicious entities can disguise themselves on the internet to get you to accept their request. Once they’re added to your friend list, they get access to your personal information and posting history. Using privacy filters and keeping the range of your personal posts to your closest friends is also a good idea.

Do Not Click on Suspicious Links

Pushing malware on your device is one of the easiest ways of infiltrating it. Cyber attackers often use misleading links and images to install malware on your device. Once the malware is installed, hackers can get access to your financial information and the power to intercept incoming OTPs. Make sure you don’t click on suspicious links and images to prevent this from happening.

Update Facebook

Facebook routinely pushes security updates to safeguard its users against malicious online attacks. Make sure the Facebook app on your phone is updated to the latest version. Go to the Google Play Store, search for Facebook, go to the app’s page, and tap on ‘Update’.

Update Your Web Browser

If you use Facebook on your web browser, make sure it is updated to the latest version. As an example, let’s take a look at how you can update Google Chrome on your PC.

Step 1: Launch Google Chrome on your PC.

Step 2: Hit the ellipses in the top right corner of the screen and go to Settings.

Step 3: Click on About Chrome in the sidebar.

Step 4: Google Chrome will start updating automatically. Click on Relaunch to finish the update.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I safeguard my Facebook account against cyber attacks?

To protect your Facebook account from hackers and cyber attacks, enable two-factor authentication and login alerts. Additionally, use a strong password for your account and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

How do I enable two-step authentication for Facebook?

Go to Facebook>Settings and privacy>Privacy Centre>Manage your accounts>Passwords and security>Two-factor authentication, select an authentication method and follow the onscreen instructions to enable it.

How do I enable login alerts on Facebook?

Go to Facebook>Settings and privacy>Privacy Centre>Manage your accounts>Passwords and security>Login alerts, and tap the checkbox next to ‘In-app alerts’.

How do I update Google Chrome on my PC?

Launch Google Chrome, and go to Settings>About Chrome. Google Chrome will start updating automatically. Hit ‘Relaunch’ to finish.

How do I update the Facebook app on my phone?

Go to Google Chrome, search for Facebook, go to the app’s page, and hit ‘Update’.

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Final Thoughts

This is how you can protect your Facebook account against cyber attacks. While you’re here, check out how you can do the same for WhatsApp. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments!