Software Testing Tools Blog – Testertools

In a bid to stave off critcisim over their security policy, Facebook recently held a company meeting to discuss privacy issues.

in what has been described by some as a panic-stricken response to public attacks on how it handles member details, Facebook also announced two new security measures that will keep member accounts and personal information secure.

One way consumers can take responsibility is to use the new Facebook tools that work to keep the bad guys out and keep members aware of any suspicious activity so they can take action to correct it.

“Over the last few weeks, we’ve been testing a new feature that allows you to approve the devices you commonly use to log in and then to be notified whenever your account is accessed from a device you haven’t approved,” explained Lev Popov, a software engineer on Facebook’s site-integrity team. “This feature is now available to everyone.”

The security feature lets users select the option to receive notifications for log-ins from new devices. You can save your home computer, your school or work computer, and your mobile phone, for example. When you do this, Facebook will ask whomever logs into your account from a device that is not on the list to name the device and send you an immediate notification that someone tried to access your account. That notification offers details on how to reset your password and remove the device, in case it was accessed by a cybercriminal.

Facebook also built in a new system to block suspicious log-ins before they happen. When Facebook notices you (or someone who is not you) is trying to access your account from a device not listed in your account security settings, the person will be asked to answer an additional verification question to prove person’s identity as the authentic account holder. After you confirm your identity, you can review recent log-ins and reset your password if you see log-ins you don’t recognize.

“It would definitely appear that Facebook is moving at a very fast pace, perhaps, in many cases, too fast for some of its users,” said Michael Gartenberg, a partner at Altimeter Group. “On the other hand, the market almost demands that type of fast pace, and consumers need to understand the implications of what they are doing online and take responsibility.”