Two-factor authentication involves the use of two independent means of verification to decrease the likelihood of unauthorized access. An example would be the use of a password and a token to gain access to an account.
In a recent blog post, Arturo Bejar, director of engineering at Facebook, said that the company is “starting to introduce” two-factor authentication.
“If you turn this new feature on, we'll ask you to enter a code anytime you try to log into Facebook from a new device. This additional security helps confirm that it's really you trying to log in”, Bejar said.
In addition, Facebook is enabling users to access Facebook over a secure connection using HTTPs. “This feature helps protect your personal information and is particularly useful if you're uncertain about the security of your network or you're using public wifi to access Facebook. Today, we're improving HTTPS so if you start using a non-HTTPS application on Facebook, we automatically switch your session back to HTTPS when you're finished”, he explained.
Also, Facebook has unveiled a new social reporting tool that allows users to notify a member of their community if they do not like something. “By encouraging people to seek help from friends, we hope that many of these situations can be resolved face to face."
Facebook’s moves come amid growing user concerns about information security and privacy on social networks. Last year, a survey by Sophos found that 60% of Facebook users would consider quitting the social network over privacy issues.