Facebook policy change means billions will lose major feature – check app to find out how you’re affected
FACEBOOK has plans to remove its code generator from its app, social media users have reported.
If you logged onto your Facebook app recently, you may have seen an interesting notification pop up on your device.
The message warns users that Facebook's code generator is "going away soon."
"Make sure that you have another two-factor authentication method so that you don't lose access to your account," the message continued.
WHAT IS TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?
Most smartphone users rely on two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, for securing their online accounts.
2FA protects your accounts by requiring an extra level of verification before logging in – such as a text confirmation.
And while this is a better level of security than just a lengthy password, sometimes hackers can get access to your SMS messages.
For this reason, many apps have their own built-in 2FA like Google, Apple, and Facebook.
Now, it seems that Facebook is disabling its code generator for its 2FA services, potentially leaving users more vulnerable to data breaches.
The move follows Twitter, which revealed last month that it would disable SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) for all users except Twitter Blue subscribers.
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Execs at Twitter backed their decision by calling SMS-based 2FA vulnerable.
"Unfortunately, we have seen phone-number-based 2FA be used - and abused - by bad actors," they said.
Many cybersecurity experts and users did not agree with the sentiment.
In Facebook's case, users have expressed their frustration over the new change on social media.
"It was the only reason I was keeping the app installed on my phone. Good, they gave me a reason to remove it," one user said.
"This is a dumb question, but um, why did everyone force us into 2FA and then shut down their support of 2FA?" another Twitter user asked.
Many others also claimed that they are now locked out of their accounts and cannot get back in, despite trying all recovery options.
Users can set up Google or Apple 2FA depending on their preferences and phone models.
ENABLE APPLE'S AUTHENTICATOR
To turn on Apple's built-in authenticator, first, head into Settings on your iPhone and then select Passwords.
Use Face or Touch ID to access your passwords and then tap on the account you want to set up 2FA for.
It's important to note that this method of 2FA will not work with every website or app.
Next, click on Set Up Verification Code. You will see a menu of two options: Enter Setup Key and Scan QR Code.
If you choose Setup Key, go into the app or website's page, and copy their Setup key.
SET UP GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR
Getting set up on Google Authenticator is easy – simply down the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
On your device, go to your > at the top, and tap the Security tab.
Under "Signing in to Google," tap 2-Step Verification. You may need to sign in.
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Under "Authenticator app," tap Set up > follow the on-screen steps.
The US Sun has reached out to Facebook for comment but has not heard back at the time of publication.