Meta’s Protection Program involves enrolling Facebook accounts of politicians, journalists, activists, and other high-targeted people and making them more secure, starting with mandatory two-factor authentication. The program has only been announced and has not matured yet. With that information disclosed; why wait? Two-factor authentication adds a layer of security that protects your online accounts with a combination of what you know (your password) and what you own (a mobile phone), making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts. In this article, we have discussed how anyone can set up and configure two-factor authentication on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, significantly enhancing your security.
What is 2FA or Two Factor Authentication? Enable Two-Factor Authentication Facebook Instagram WhatsApp How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Facebook On Mobile On a Web Browser How to Change Security Information on Facebook How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Instagram On Mobile On a Web Browser How to Change Security Information on Instagram How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for WhatsApp Closing Words
Before we dig into the methods, here is a quick summary of what modes can be used with each of Meta’s products for two-factor authentication
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
You can choose to authenticate using any of the following authentication methods for Facebook:
A third-party authentication app (Google Authenticator works)Via text message (SMS)A security key (USB flash drive)
You can choose to authenticate using any of the following authentication methods for Instagram:
A third-party authentication app (Only for mobile phones)Via a message through WhatsApp (Only for mobile phones)Via text message (SMS)Notification through mobile app where logged in (Only for mobile phones)
Unfortunately, there is currently only one method to validate yourself for two-factor authentication on WhatsApp, which is an additional security layer of a 6-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Although this PIN is required for when a new device logs in using your phone number on WhatsApp, the app also asks for the PIN from time to time so that you do not forget it.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Facebook
You can access your Facebook account on your mobile phone via the app or through a web browser on your computer.
On Mobile
Follow the steps below to enable 2FA through Facebook’s mobile app: Note: It is assumed that you have already signed up on the respective platforms and logged into your account via the respective apps. If you select Text message in the last step, continue with the steps below. If not, then follow the on-screen instructions. You will now need to use your 2FA authentication method each time logging into your account. In case you feel like switching off 2FA, follow the steps below: Two-factor authentication will now be turned off.
On a Web Browser
If you are keen on using Facebook on a computer via a browser, follow the steps below to enable two-factor authentication: If you select Text message in the last step, continue with the steps below. If not, follow the on-screen instructions. Two-factor authentication will now be enabled for your Facebook account. If you feel like switching off two-factor authentication via a web browser, follow the steps below: 2FA will now be switched off.
How to Change Security Information on Facebook
Occasionally, a user may need to change their security information, such as their phone number or email address, so that the code is sent to the correct location. Follow the steps below to change your security information using the mobile Facebook app: Note: The primary email address cannot be removed unless an alternate email address is provided, as a Facebook account is directly connected to your email address. Alternatively, you can also change the information from your web browser using the following steps: however, the option to change your email address and phone number is available at two different locations: For the email address: For phone number:
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Instagram
Instagram has now become the epicenter for influencers, artists, business tycoons, and other digital art fanatics. Similar to Facebook, you can also apply 2FA to your Instagram account to make it more secure. Instagram offers more verification methods than Facebook and WhatsApp, as denoted in the section above.
On Mobile
Follow the steps below to enable 2FA for your Instagram account using the mobile application: Two-factor authentication for Instagram will now be activated. In case you want to disable this feature in the future, follow these steps: Two-factor authentication will now be turned off for Instagram
On a Web Browser
If you are using Instagram on a computer via a browser, follow the steps below to enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication will now be enabled on your Instagram account. In case you want to disable it, follow these steps: 2FA will now be disabled for your Instagram account.
How to Change Security Information on Instagram
Security information can be changed for Instagram through a web browser as well as from the app on your phone. This includes your phone number and email address. Follow the steps below from the app: Alternatively, you can also change your security information from a web browser, here’s how: Of course, entering the new security details will require you to verify it through the code sent to your email address or phone.
How to Enable Two-Factor Authentication for WhatsApp
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging platforms worldwide. What started as a messaging service for iOS is now gaining popularity each day with the addition of its web and Windows application platforms. However, two-factor authentication can only be configured and managed through the mobile app. That being said, after enabling 2FA on WhatsApp, while logging in to a new location, you will need to enter the PIN on top of the One-Time PIN (OTP) sent via SMS, doubling your security. Follow the steps below to enable it: 2FA has now been enabled for your WhatsApp account. As soon as you go to the main page, you will be asked to provide the PIN you created. This is only asked occasionally, so the user does not forget his/her PIN. If you want to disable two-factor authorization for your WhatsApp, navigate to the following and click Disable. You can also change your email address and PIN from the Two-step verification page. Since WhatsApp is directly linked to your phone number, there is no other security information you could change, except the email address used to recover your account.
Closing Words
Other than two-factor authentication, your security information, such as your phone number and email address, can be used to recover your account in case you forget the password, your account gets hacked, or you lose your phone. Therefore, we suggest that you create at least 2 two-factor authentication mechanisms so that you can still authorize a valid login in case you lose your phone or lose access to your email address.
