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Facebook Adds Two-Factor Authentication

Posted by timothy on from the your-name-and-your-real-name dept.

angry tapir writes "To help its hundreds of millions of users prevent unauthorized access to their accounts, Facebook has added an optional verification step to its log-in process. The new security feature, called Login Approvals, is a form of two-factor authentication."

9 of 124 comments (clear)

  1. Protect your MafiaFarmPetVilleWars! by L4t3r4lu5 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Give us your telephone number.

    This isn't creepy at all.

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  2. Re:Security? by Hultis · · Score: 3, Insightful

    More like putting a steel door next to the regular one most people will still use.

  3. thank you (google voice | text+ | your virtual #) by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This is where services like text+ shine: get an SMS throw away number and those future call center initiated contacts will get spam filtered.

  4. Re:FaceBook adds Two Factor Authentication by curtisk · · Score: 5, Insightful

    "Because if they steal your private data, we can't sell it to them!"

    Thats so sadly funny... Facebook isn't even the least bit shy anymore, "just give us you cell/mobile number, its for safety!" I wonder what new data correlations and connections they can now make with that extra tidbit of data in that database version of you(in the database version of the world)

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  5. WTF is the point? by geekmux · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "To help its hundreds of millions of users prevent unauthorized access to their accounts..."

    Gee, that's nice Farcebook. Now, what exactly are you going to do about your privacy policies that change with the wind, forcing users to constantly monitor their settings to prevent "authorized" access?

    Hard to feel safe in the car when you don't trust the driver no matter how many seat belts you have on.

  6. Facebook stupidity.. by Lumpy · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "we will text your phone."

    Because our admins are too stupid to remember that in the USA it costs money to receive text messages and not everyone is a tween that has unlimited texting on their phones K?

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    1. Re:Facebook stupidity.. by icebraining · · Score: 4, Insightful

      So would it be better for them not to implement it at all because you don't want to use it?

      Lots of people 1) don't live in the US, and therefore doesn't pay for incoming SMS, 2) have SMS packages or 3) don't mind paying, since it's not for every login but only when a new device is used.

      If you don't want to use it, nobody forces you to.

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    2. Re:Facebook stupidity.. by ledow · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I have to say - paying to receive SMS is possibly the most stupid thing I've ever heard anyone agree to. It was back when mobile phones first came out and still is now.

      The problem is not Facebook there - the problem is people who tolerate a stupid system where you can end up paying for something you never asked for.

    3. Re:Facebook stupidity.. by Chemisor · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Ok, wise guy; what are we supposed to do about it? There are only four carriers in the US, and they all charge for receiving text messages. Obviously, you only have two options: either not own a cellphone, or to start your own carrier. Not owning a cellphone does not hurt the carrier, since they have plenty of other customers who don't mind paying for text messages, or just can't live without a cellphone. No carrier will miss you. They will, in fact, want you to leave, since you are a cheapskate who does not make them money by signing up for an expensive monthly contract. Heck, you probably use prepaid, which is not making them any money at all! Your other option of starting your own carrier is not viable due to lack of capital. You'll need to build a few million cell towers, since if you just rent from the existing carriers you'll have to conform to their pricing plans or lose money. Who will lend you the money? Nobody. So, as you can see, we're all pretty much screwed and can do nothing about it.