This morning we had a couple of team members mention that their Facebook account was restricted from advertising. With all the sweeping deactivations lately, we assumed this was similar. However, after a closer look, we found out it was a simple fix that anyone can do.
At some point between 7pm last night and 9am this morning, Facebook implemented an update where if you do not have 2 Factor Authentication enabled, you will be restricted from advertising on Facebook. You will also be unable to make any changes within the business manager.
I’m sure you know what 2 Factor authentication is, but for those that might not, Wikipedia defines it as:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA; encompassing Two-factor authentication or 2FA, along with similar terms) is an electronic authentication method in which a computer user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism: knowledge (something only the user knows), possession (something only the user has), and inherence (something only the user is). It protects the user from an unknown person trying to access their data such as personal ID details or financial assets.
In non-tech speak, it means that simply logging in with a password is not enough. You must also verify your login another way – either with a text message or authenticator app.
Enabling 2 Factor Authentication is usually pretty easy. For Facebook specifically, their documentation is pretty helpful. You can also follow the steps below:
To turn on or manage two-factor authentication:
- Go to your Security and Login Settings.
- Scroll down to Use two-factor authentication and click Edit.
- Choose the security method you want to add and follow the on-screen instructions.
When you set up two-factor authentication on Facebook, you’ll be asked to choose one of two security methods:
- Login codes from a third party authentication app.
- Text message (SMS) codes from your mobile phone.
You’ll need to have at least one of these set up in order to use two-factor authentication. Once you have added either text message (SMS) codes or a third party authentication app on your account, you’ll also be able to set up some of the optional methods below:
- Approving your login attempt from a device we recognize.
- Using one of your recovery codes.
- Tapping your security key on a compatible device.
The authenticator app we prefer is Google Authenticator. Get it for free from the Apple Store or Google Play.
To see if any of your team members are affected, review the People in your Facebook Business Managers and give them a courtesy heads up.
At ArgonDigital, most of our staff already had 2 Factor Authentication enabled but for the very few that did not, we alerted them. We also reviewed our client accounts and emailed affected users so they could access their accounts.
