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Facebook Has Two-Factor Authentication But It's Not That Simple

The two-factor authentication security feature has downsides and upsides on Facebook

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Facebook now has two-factor authentication but its a double-edged sword. On the upside, you get stronger security on your profile which keeps hackers from taking your account. But on the other hand, this could actually lead to less privacy and more ads.

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Two-factor authentication is one of the easiest ways to prevent hackers. Anytime you log into your account, you get a code to your phone that you'll also have to enter into facebook to log in.

However, users have found that the number isn't just being used for security. The number used for this was also being provided to advertisers for targeted posts. On top of that, people can find your profile using that same phone number and there's no way to opt out of that setting. 

But according to CNET.com apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator could work around the problem. Whenever you log in, the secondary code goes to the app instead of a text to your phone. This way there's no need for Facebook to have that cell phone number.

To turn it on, go to your settings, then to Security and Login, and hit "Two-Factor Authentication"

Click here for more information on Microsoft Authenticator

For instructions on how to install Google Authenticator, click here.

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