As more and more people are using Facebook to communicate, store personal information and connect to other online services, Facebook account security tips are becoming increasingly important. A Facebook account can contain personal photos, contact information, messenger conversations and other important information. But if someone breaks in, it could be serious privacy and security issues.

In this guide we’ll review simple Facebook account security tips to keep your account safe including strong passwords, two-factor authentication, login alerts, privacy settings and protection against Facebook phishing scams.

Facebook account protection: Why you need to do it

A facebook account contains a lot more than just personal info. It also links to friends, family members, pages for business and other online services.

A password isn’t enough. The better way is to protect the security layer by layer.

Security tips: 10 tips to protect your Facebook account

1. Use a strong password

Don’t use easy to guess passwords such as your name, birthday or phone number. Choose a long, unique password that you don’t use anywhere else

And if you use the same password for your Facebook and your email account you put yourself in even more danger. If one account is compromised then the same password you use for your other account may be at risk too.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security for your Facebook account. If someone steals your password, they will have to verify you to get into your account with another layer of security.

Facebook offers also authentication apps, SMS and security keys to add more protection to your account.

3. Don’t click on suspicious links

Attackers steal your account details, phishing is a common way to do this. You may receive a message saying that your account will be disabled or you’ve won a prize, then the message may tell you to click on a link and log in.

Do not click such links. If something looks suspicious, open the official Facebook app or website directly and check your account instead.

4. Sign out on unfamiliar devices

Check regularly what phones, computers and browsers are logged in on your Facebook account

If you notice an unfamiliar device or location, log out of that session. If necessary, change your password immediately.

5. Enable Keep Login Alerts

Login alerts help you stay on top of suspicious activities. You can be notified if someone tries to sign in to your account from an unknown device or location.

That means you can see the activity, and step in to stop it from getting any worse.”

6. Check out third-party apps

Facebook can be linked to many websites, apps and games. You may forget about services that you don’t use anymore over time. Review the apps linked to your Facebook account and remove the unnecessary ones. Because you provide your account information to more places than you should.

7. Check your privacy settings

There is no general reason to make all personal information public

Check your Facebook Privacy Settings and see who can see your posts, contact information and other profile information. Reducing the amount of public unnecessary information can reduce privacy risks.

8. Secure Your Email Account

This counts too, as you can recover your Facebook account using your email account.

Make sure the email tied to your Facebook account has a strong, unique password, and two-factor authentication enabled if possible. Add an extra layer of security by protecting your recovery email address.

9. Caution! Wi-Fi Public.

Be careful if this is the first time you’re logging into your key accounts on public Wi-Fi.

If you have doubts about a network’s reliability, try using your mobile data or another connection you know and trust when logging into sensitive accounts.

10. Act fast if your account is hacked

When you see a post, message or other activity that you didn’t initiate, don’t ignore it.

Change your password, log off devices you don’t recognize, and review your security settings. In case you can not get in to the account, go through Facebook official account recovery process.

Why Facebook security will be even more critical

We are sharing more personal and professional information on social networks than ever before. Sometimes a good password isn’t enough. Two-factor authentication, security keys, device recognition and automated detection of suspicious activities could all become even more important for securing online accounts in the future.