How to Protect Your Facebook Account from Hackers

Facebook, one of the largest social media platforms has been experiencing a new trend. In September of 2018, Facebook said almost 29 million accounts are hacked every year and these numbers seem to be rising as the days go by. Unknown to many people there are some simple and basic steps you can do to protect your Facebook account from hackers. I'll explain what you need to do and not do to protect your Facebook account from hackers.

1. Enable Two-way verification on your Facebook account.This is the most important step to take to protect your Facebook account. Facebook now offers a way to secure your account called Two-factor authentication. This has been available for quite some time but is unknown to many because very few people read help contents, privacy policy, terms and conditions, and all. Studies have shown that less than 0.001% of people read terms and conditions. According to Facebook,
   "Two-factor authentication is a security feature that helps protect your Facebook account in addition to your password. If you set up two-factor authentication, you'll be asked to enter a special login code or confirm your login attempt each time someone tries accessing Facebook from a browser or mobile device we don't recognize. You can also get alerts when someone tries logging in from a browser or mobile device we don't recognize."
   You can enable this feature in your Facebook settings under "Security and Login".
   
2. Do not click on unknown links
   This is also a very important tip to note as this same strategy is used on other media platforms such as Twitter and WhatsApp. If a friend sends you a link which you are not sure of, it is advisable not to click on it because scammers can steal your login data by so doing. If you must click on a link use private/incognito mode in your browser.
   
3. Avoid Saving your password on public devices Anytime you login to a new device advanced apps like Facebook and Chrome browser allow you to save your password on that device to ease the stress of having to log in again. This simply means that on that device you will not need a password to log in next time bust just a single click. There is clearly no point doing this if it is not a device that belongs to you and you have full control over. Saving your password means anyone using that device can simply log in with a single click.
4. Always log-out on other devices
   Similar to the point stated earlier, you also have to log out whenever you use a device that is not yours to login into your account. Facebook (especially the mobile app) saves your session and if you just close the app without logging out, when the app is reopened your account can be accessed by someone else.
5. Create Strong Password
   Chances are, you already have your password created for Facebook however it is advisable for you to make sure your Facebook password is strong and secure.
   To change your password, go to Account Settings > General > Password.
   The best passwords would have the combination of small and capital letters, numbers and symbols.
   
   
   
6.  Confirm your mobile number
   Confirming your mobile number is one of many ways to enhance your account security on Facebook. This way, even when you lose or forget your password, Facebook will be able to send you a new one via SMS.
   -To add your mobile number, go to Account Settings > Mobile and click on Add a Phone.
   -Select your country and set the mobile carrier before clicking Next.
   -You will be given an instruction to send an SMS to the given number. Follow the instructions to get a code via SMS, and then enter the code into the column and click Next.
   -Now your mobile phone is registered with Facebook, and when the need arises, this connection will be useful to reactivate your Facebook account.