What is Facebook Protect? Here's how to tell if you have access to the new security feature.
Have you recently gotten a notice or email from Facebook about requiring you to enable something called Facebook Protect for your account by a certain date, or risk being locked out?
Yes, it is legitimate.
Currently, the setting is not eligible for all users, but the company is rolling out the feature to more and more users around the world. For those who can't access Facebook Protect yet, Facebook recommends adding two-factor authentication for extra security.
Facebook's parent company Meta specifically mentions candidates, campaigns and elected officials in accounts using Facebook Protect, noting that those types of accounts "can be targeted by bad actors on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram."
Other accounts targeted for Facebook Protect include accounts that may require stronger security due to their "potential to reach a lot of people."
Meta said Facebook Protect will help those accounts adopt stronger security protections including two-factor authentication and monitors for potential hacking threats.
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How do I know Facebook Protect isn't a scam?
If you've received an email about Facebook Protect, it will come from the address security@facebookmail.com.
Facebook says it will also never ask for your password in an email or in a Facebook message.
How to turn on Facebook Protect
First, go to Facebook and click on the triangle icon in the top right corner of your web browser.
Click Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
Click Security and Login.
Under Facebook Protect, click Get Started.
Then, click Next.
On the Facebook Protect benefits screen, click Next again.
Facebook says it will then scan your account for potential vulnerabilities and make suggestions on what to fix when you turn on Facebook Protect, which could include a stronger password or two-factor authentication.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is Facebook Protect? What to know about the security feature
