Facebook makes new security checkup tool available to everyone

A couple of months ago Facebook started to talk about a new security tool. It was initially only made available to a select group of users, but today it rolls out to all.

The aptly-named Security Checkup gives Facebook users the opportunity to double check the privacy and security settings they have in place, helping to ensure that private information is not shared with too large an audience. It can also be used to monitor logins and check for suspicious account activity, acting as a handy centralized hub for everything security-related.

It's a basic wizard-led tool that holds your hand through the process of securing your account. Starting off by helping you sign out of sessions you are no longer using, or those on devices you perhaps no longer own, you can then set up alerts that will warn you whenever a new device attempts to access your account. Then there is the all-important password which Facebook ensures is up to scratch.

Product manager Melissa Luu-Van says:

We want everyone to have a safe experience on Facebook. That’s why we have dedicated teams and intelligent security systems working around the clock to help keep your account secure. We also provide optional security controls that you can turn on for added protection - you get to decide which features you want to use. Starting today, you can try a new tool called Security Checkup that makes it easier to find and use the security controls for your account.

To access Security Checkup, you just need to sit back and wait for a reminder banner to appear at the top of your newsfeed and you'll be guided through everything. The banner may not appear for a few weeks.

Check out the introductory video to find out more:

Photo credit: JuliusKielaitis / Shutterstock