Since 2017, Facebook has supported security keys for its desktop version. Now, the platform is allowing you to use them to secure your account on mobile as well.
Facebook Mobile Supports Hardware Security Keys
On Thursday, Facebook announced via a blog post that you can now use physical security keys for two-factor authentication (2FA) on its iOS and Android apps. You can set your key up with your account through the Security and Login section of your Facebook settings.
2FA provides your social media and other accounts with an extra layer of security. Upon login, you are required to present two pieces of verification to gain access, as opposed to just your password (for example). Usually, that second piece of information is a numeric code sent to your email or your phone as a text message.
"It’s much harder for a bad actor to obtain both factors, which keep your password from being your last line of defense against phishing or other malicious attempts to compromise your information," Facebook writes.
What Is a Hardware Security Key?
A hardware security key is a small device—should fit right in your pocket or on your keychain—that works in addition to your password on websites that support it. You can connect them to your other devices via USB or Bluetooth.
If you opt to use a hardware security key for Facebook (which the company highly recommends, especially if you're "at high risk of being targeted by malicious hackers"), you'll be asked to use the button on it every time you try and log into your account from a new browser or device.
Facebook doesn't make its own hardware security keys, but you can certainly buy one from a manufacturer to use with your account.
Facebook Ups Its Security
Facebook was one of the first major social media platforms to support near-field communication (NFC) for 2FA on desktop computers, but it's a little slow on the jump when it comes to mobile.
Twitter added mobile support for physical security keys back in December, and since then, has allowed the use of multiple security keys for your Twitter account instead of just one.
Still, this new security option is a welcome one. Facebook holds a lot of personal information for a lot of people, so it's best that the company does what it can to help you keep that information safe.
We don't want a repeat of the major Facebook security breach of late 2018, where around 50 million accounts were hacked.