Facebook responds to LinkedIn password breach with improved security measures
Facebook's Code Generator makes it easier to confirm logins made on new devices. — AFP-Relaxnews picNEW YORK, June 8 — In light of massive password breaches on sites including LinkedIn, eHarmony and Last.fm over the past few days, Facebook has announced it is beefing up its own security.
The social network has added a login code generator for users with Android devices and has introduced new password recovery and spam-flagging tools for mobile users.
Facebook sports around 900 million users, close to 500 million of which sign into the site via their mobile phone.
With the addition of the “Code Generator,” Android-owning Facebook users can now use two-step authentication to log into the site even when they have no cellular signal.
The Code Generator is “aimed at making it easier to confirm logins made on new devices,” said Facebook in a post on its Security blog. “Before, if you had any difficulties receiving SMS or had poor cellular service, it was often tough to use Login Approvals easily. Now, using Code Generator, users will be able to receive Login Approval codes through your Facebook Application, without waiting on an SMS, and it will work regardless of whether you have cellular or Internet access.”
Android owners can visit http://on.fb.me/LoginApprovals to set up Code Generator on their device.
Mobile owners on Facebook’s touch-enabled site (m.facebook.com) are now able to mark unwanted posts in their News Feed as spam by clicking on the ‘Comment’ link and choosing from the “hide story or “report/mark as spam” options shown after clicking the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Facebook users who discover their account has been compromised can now take action via their mobile too.
“Now you can lock down your account and clean up any damage done using your phone,” said Facebook. “Did a hacker login from across the globe? You can review that login and reset your password on your phone. We've even extended our social authentication tool to work on your phone to give you even more ways to get back into your account.” — AFP-Relaxnews
