You can now lock up your Facebook account with a security key to keep your data safe, the social media platform announced Thursday.

The next time you log in to your Facebook account from a new browser or location, you have the option to plug a physical security key in the USB drive and tap the device to login safely. The extra steps will convince Facebook the account belongs to you.

Using a key is also faster than other security steps, like waiting for a code through a text message. Also, waiting for a one-time code isn’t as safe anymore, the National Institute of Standards and Technologies announced last summer.

“Most people get their security code for login approvals from a text message (SMS) or by using the Facebook app to generate the code directly on their phone,” said Facebook’s Security Engineer Brad Hill in a statement. “These options work pretty well for most people and in most circumstances, but SMS isn't always reliable and having a phone back-up available may not work well for everyone.”

Security keys are offered by companies like Yubico, and the keys support the open Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) standard hosted by the FIDO Alliance, Facebook said. Google, GitHub, Dropbox, and Dashlane already support security keys under FIDO U2F. However, Facebook’s use of security keys for logins makes it one of the first social media platforms to protect users using this process. You can also use the same security key for any supported online account, Facebook said.

Security keys for two-factor authentication can protect users from phishing. With the security key, your Facebook login is “immune” to phishing because there is no need to enter a code and the hardware provides cryptographic proof that it's in your device, Facebook said.

How To Add a Facebook Login Security Key

You may use security keys to log in to Facebook through a computer, since the platform doesn’t support security key logins on the mobile app. However, if you own an NFC-capable Android device with the latest version of Chrome and Google Authenticator installed, you can use an NFC-capable key to log in for Facebook’s mobile website.

To start, you will also need the latest version of Chrome or opera. You’ll then have to register an additional login approval method, such as phone number or Code Generator.

To add your security key:

  1. Go to Security Settings on your account

  2. Scroll down to Login Approvals and click Edit.

  3. Go to Security Keys, click Add Key.

  4. Connect your security key into your computer’s USB port. If the key has a blinking light, press the button or gold disk.

  5. When your security is added, it will show up with the name you’ve given it in your Security Keys section.

If you couldn’t successfully add your key, Facebook recommends you clear your cache and temporary data, or restart your device.

RELATED STORIES
Software Facebook