This week Facebook is introducing its new Security Checkup tool for web-based users. The tool highlights the social media site’s existing arsenal of security options, prompting users to address potential threats item-by-item. Combined with the previously released Privacy Checkup tool, the social media giant is attempting to force its billions of users to look under the hood of their Facebook account and ensure a greater level of access and privacy control. Perhaps the greater adherence to enhancing security is tied to Facebook rolling out a new mobile payment platform, allowing users to send money transfers quickly and easily.  

The first option of the Security Checkup prompts users to log out of browsers and mobile Facebook applications that they haven’t used in a while – asking them to close existing Facebook sessions that may be open and dormant, potentially allowing another person to access their account. Users can see what web browsers or smartphones were recently used to access their account as well as the geographical location of the login. As Facebook users login from work and home computers and students access the site from library and school devices, the option is useful as it allows you to see the location and browsers used to login and, more importantly, allowing you to remotely end all sessions.

The second option allows users to opt-in to Facebook’s Login Notifications feature, allowing Facebook to notify you when your account is accessed from a computer or mobile device that you haven’t used before. Every time someone accesses your account from a new browser or mobile device, Facebook can send you an alert by email or text message. The third option reminds users to use a strong password, provides password tips and prompts users to change it often. 

Additional settings are available in your Facebook account by accessing the Security tab in http://www.facebook.com/settings. Features that may be useful are My Legacy Contact, allowing you to choose a family member or friend to take over a Facebook profile in case of an emergency. Another feature, Trusted Contacts, allows you to select friends to help you access your account if it has been hacked and you have been locked out. Trusted contacts are provided with an access code by Facebook and are expected to verify your identity before passing on the code to you.

You can also protect your personal information with web protection from Web Companion.