Is Facebook Protect real and do you need to turn it on?
I’ve been getting a few emails about Facebook Protect. At first I thought it was a scam, so I did some digging.
As it turns out, it’s real, and yes, you should turn it on – unless you want to be locked out of your Facebook account!
I should also note, if you didn’t get the email, you don’t need to worry. You don’t need Facebook Protect right now.
What is Facebook protect?
“We know that certain people in the public eye can become a target for account compromise attempts on social media platforms, including Facebook.
Accounts that face increased risk may need additional protection, that’s why we created Facebook Protect.
Facebook Protect helps these high-target accounts adopt stronger security protections by simplifying security features like two-factor authentication.
It also provides additional security protections for people’s accounts and Pages, including monitoring for potential hacking threats.”
This was the most recent email I received:
Only 1 day left to turn on Facebook Protect
Your account has the potential to reach a lot more people than an average Facebook user. Hackers are often motivated to attack accounts that have a lot of followers, run important Pages, or hold some community significance.
(Editor’s note: Do you feel important? I do!)
To help defend against these targeted attacks, we require Facebook Protect for your account.
This is a reminder to turn on Facebook Protect by tomorrow, 17 March 2022. After that, you will be locked out of your account until you enable it.
- We’ve already turned on advanced login protections for your account.
- To fully enable Facebook Protect, we’ll check your account for vulnerabilities, and help you resolve them.
Note, one reason I thought this was spammy is their date is off. I received this email on March 13th. I know the world is sortof a dystopian nightmare right now, but last I checked, March 17 is 4 days from the 13th… but I digress.
Turning on Facebook Protect is a pretty easy process.
You’ll get an email to whatever account you use for Facebook
Step 1:
Click on the link in your email. Remember: if you didn’t get the email, you don’t need to worry. You don’t need Facebook Protect right now, and you can carry on!
Step 2:
A pop up will open within Facebook, which explains that your account has the potential to reach a lot of people, so stronger security is required. This step explains that you’ll be walked through the program details. Click Next.
Step 3:
As you continue through the process, Facebook explains the advanced security features that come with Facebook protect. Click Next.
Step 4:
Facebook checks your account for vulnerabilities. It assesses your password and will suggest that you change it if it is deemed to be too weak. In this step, you are also required to turn on two-factor authentication. Click Fix now to take next steps.
Step 5:
You have three different options for setting up two-factor authentication:
1. Security key
2. Third party authenticator with QR or manual code
3. Phone number (easy peasy!)
I chose the phone number verification because it was the easiest method for me.
Step 6:
You’re in!
Once I verified via a texted code, I got this confirmation message.
Need more information?
Visit https://www.facebook.com/help/1052552578831700
