Two-factor authentication on Facebook no longer requires users' phone number
What's the story
Facebook has expanded the ways in which users can set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on their accounts, eliminating the need for them to register their phone numbers for the same. Earlier, users had to compulsorily make SMS their second layer of account security, but now they can replace it with third-party authentication apps like Duo Security and Google Authenticator on both desktop and mobile.
Information
What is two-factor authentication?
"Two-factor authentication is an industry best practice for providing additional account security," Facebook said. It lets users set up a second layer of account authentication credentials so that they can be safeguarded in case their username and password are hacked. It also prevents account lock-outs.
Additional authentication
Support for authentication apps much safer than phone numbers
While SMS is commonly used as the second factor in 2FA, it's not safe to get the one-time password (OTP) that will allow you to access your account through it since you SIM can get hacked as well. The system can also get bug-ridden. Earlier, a Facebook bug had started spamming users who had registered their phone numbers for 2FA with non-security-related SMS notifications.
Account security
Here's how you can activate 2FA
To set up two-factor authentication on your Facebook account, go to Settings, click on "Security and Login," navigate to "Use two-factor authentication," and select how you would like to enable the extra layer of security: via phone number or authentication app. "We've made it easier than ever to enable two-factor authentication with a streamlined setup flow that guides you through the process," Facebook said.