Facebook bought its new security program called Facebook Protect to India among many other countries across the globe back in 2021. If this is the first time you’re hearing it, perhaps you’re wondering what Protect is and how it can help you. To begin with, this program is targeted at protecting high-risk users on the social networking platform and has enrolled more than 1.5 million people globally so far. Here’s a detailed article explaining all that you’d need to know about Facebook Protect – what it is, how to enable it, and more.
Table of Contents
What is Facebook Protect?
Facebook Protect is a program that safeguards users’ accounts on the social networking platform from malicious hackers and cybercriminals. The program when enabled mandates the account to use two-factor authentication (2FA) and other security measures.
How to enable Facebook Protect to safeguard your account
Anyone who is eligible for Facebook Protect will get an in-app notification or email about it. The easiest way to enrol yourself on the program is to click the Facebook prompt or an email link. As an alternative, you can follow the below-mentioned steps to turn on Facebook Protect:
- Open your Facebook page on the device you’re using.
- Click on your profile icon
- From the menu that opens, tap Settings & Privacy and then, Settings.
- Next, select Security and Login on desktop or Password and Security in the app.
- Find Facebook Protect and click on Get Started to enrol.
- On the screen that opens, tap the Turn on now button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
In case you already have a strong password and have enabled 2FA, you’re good to go. But if Facebook scans your account and finds potential vulnerabilities, you’ll need to fix them with a stronger password and enable 2-step verification once Facebook Protect is turned on.
Who gets Facebook Protect and why?
As mentioned earlier, Facebook Protect is designed for people who are in the public eye and have the potential to reach more and more people. Hence, the main focus of this program is on activists, journalists, human rights defenders, and government officials.
Unfortunately, it is accounts like these that are targeted by bad actors and threats and thus, require security protections offered by Facebook Protect like two-factor authentication and automated defence mechanisms against potential risks and cyber threats.
How do I know if the email I received about Facebook Protect is real or fake?
It is a common mistake to confuse the mail you’ve received from Facebook with the subject “Your account requires advanced security from Facebook Protect” for spam or phishing mail. In order to find out that it’s really Facebook who has sent you the prompt, confirm that the sender’s email address is security@facebookmail.com. You can also check the legitimacy of the email by going to Settings > Security and Login (or Password and Security) > See recent emails. You must also make a note that Facebook will never ask for your password.
What happens if Facebook Protect isn’t turned on?
Well, if it wasn’t clear up until now, please make a note that IT IS MANDATORY TO TURN ON FACEBOOK PROTECT if you get the prompt. People who have received the notification get a deadline to enrol for the program. If you fail to do so before the cut-off date, Facebook will lock you out of your account. Remember, your account won’t be deleted, but you won’t be able to access the platform until you turn on 2FA and Facebook Protect upon login.
FAQs
Why can’t I access Facebook Protect?
In case you qualify for Facebook Protect but can’t see a way to turn it on, it is possible that you might have to wait for a while. The feature is slowly rolling out in India and there is a combination of factors that decide who goes on the list of high-risk accounts. Facebook is working on setting up a process to help users who are at risk register for the program.
How can I get Facebook Protect?
Unfortunately, there is no way for you to get Facebook Protect unless you fall in one of the above mentioned categories and get a Facebook prompt that you’re eligible to enrol.
How to secure my account if I don’t have access to Facebook Protect?
If you’re looking to increase the security of your Facebook account, the best route would be to turn on two-step authentication (2FA) in the Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login (or Password and Security) section. You can choose to log in to your account via SMS sent to your mobile phone, a security key or a code received through a third-party app.
