Facebook Improves Security Measures, Opens App Center
In light of password breaches on some popular sites
Facebook has announced it is beefing up its own
security. Seperately, the company also today officially
launched its the App Center.
New security measures
Facebook's new security measures include a login code generator for users with Android devices as well as new password recovery and spam-flagging tools for mobile users.
The code generator allows Android-owning Facebook users to use two-step authentication to log into the site even when they have no cellular signal.
The Code Generator is "aimed at making it easier to confirm logins made on new devices," said Facebook in a post on its Security blog. "Before, if you had any difficulties receiving SMS or had poor cellular service, it was often tough to use Login Approvals easily. Now, using Code Generator, users will be able to receive Login Approval codes through your Facebook Application, without waiting on an SMS, and it will work regardless of whether you have cellular or Internet access."
Android owners can visit http://on.fb.me/LoginApprovals to set up Code Generator on their device.
Mobile owners on Facebook?s touch-enabled site are also now able to mark unwanted posts in their News Feed as spam by clicking on the 'Comment' link and choosing from the "hide story" or "report/mark as spam" options shown after clicking the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Facebook users who discover their account has been compromised can now take action via their mobile too.
"Did a hacker login from across the globe? You can review that login and reset your password on your phone, "Facebook said. "We've even extended our social authentication tool to work on your phone to give you even more ways to get back into your account."
A few daya ago, Last.fm and LinkedIN reported that a significant number of their users' passwords leaked online. LinkedIn said it is working with the FBI to investigate a cyber attack in which 6.5 million of its users' passwords were stolen. However, the company says that only a small subset had been decoded successfully.
App Center
Facebook also today officiall yopened its App Center, a web place packed with mobile and web apps, such as Draw Something, Pinterest, and Nike+ GPS, and new apps including Jetpack Joyride, Ghosts of Mistwood, and Ghost Recon Commander.
The App Center gives users personalized recommendations, and lets them browse the apps their friends use. It lists apps based on feedback from people who use the app.
The App Center is available in the Facebook iOS and Android apps, as well as Facebook.com.
Users can send their apps they find on their computers to their mobile device using the new "Send to Mobile" feature. If a mobile app requires a download, users will be sent to install it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Every app in the App Center has screenshots and a detailed description, shows the information an app needs and lets users choose who can see their activity on Facebook.
The App Center will begin rolling out to people in the U.S. today, with more than 600 apps. It will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
Facebook's new security measures include a login code generator for users with Android devices as well as new password recovery and spam-flagging tools for mobile users.
The code generator allows Android-owning Facebook users to use two-step authentication to log into the site even when they have no cellular signal.
The Code Generator is "aimed at making it easier to confirm logins made on new devices," said Facebook in a post on its Security blog. "Before, if you had any difficulties receiving SMS or had poor cellular service, it was often tough to use Login Approvals easily. Now, using Code Generator, users will be able to receive Login Approval codes through your Facebook Application, without waiting on an SMS, and it will work regardless of whether you have cellular or Internet access."
Android owners can visit http://on.fb.me/LoginApprovals to set up Code Generator on their device.
Mobile owners on Facebook?s touch-enabled site are also now able to mark unwanted posts in their News Feed as spam by clicking on the 'Comment' link and choosing from the "hide story" or "report/mark as spam" options shown after clicking the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
Facebook users who discover their account has been compromised can now take action via their mobile too.
"Did a hacker login from across the globe? You can review that login and reset your password on your phone, "Facebook said. "We've even extended our social authentication tool to work on your phone to give you even more ways to get back into your account."
A few daya ago, Last.fm and LinkedIN reported that a significant number of their users' passwords leaked online. LinkedIn said it is working with the FBI to investigate a cyber attack in which 6.5 million of its users' passwords were stolen. However, the company says that only a small subset had been decoded successfully.
App Center
Facebook also today officiall yopened its App Center, a web place packed with mobile and web apps, such as Draw Something, Pinterest, and Nike+ GPS, and new apps including Jetpack Joyride, Ghosts of Mistwood, and Ghost Recon Commander.
The App Center gives users personalized recommendations, and lets them browse the apps their friends use. It lists apps based on feedback from people who use the app.
The App Center is available in the Facebook iOS and Android apps, as well as Facebook.com.
Users can send their apps they find on their computers to their mobile device using the new "Send to Mobile" feature. If a mobile app requires a download, users will be sent to install it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Every app in the App Center has screenshots and a detailed description, shows the information an app needs and lets users choose who can see their activity on Facebook.
The App Center will begin rolling out to people in the U.S. today, with more than 600 apps. It will be available to everyone in the coming weeks.
