Facebook launches remote log-out security feature

by Steven Mostyn - Sep 3 2010, 06:51

In a handy move to improve overall security options for its account holders, leading social network Facebook has this week launched a new feature that enables users to log-out remotely from a computer (or computers) other than their own.

According to Facebook, users can take advantage of the feature by accessing the 'Account' tab in the upper right corner of their profiles before then navigating to 'Account Settings' and clicking the 'Change' option located beside 'Account Security'.

From here, users will be able to see where their account is logged-on beyond their main computer – including the host device and its geographic location. Simply clicking the 'End Activity' button alongside any or all listed devices will instantly perform a log-out at that location.

“View your recent account activity,” advises Facebook. “If you notice an unfamiliar device or location, click 'end activity'.”

“In the unlikely case that someone accesses your account without your permission, you can shut down the unauthorized log-in before resetting your password and taking steps to secure your account and computer,” added a Facebook spokesperson.

Although presently not available to all users, the social network has indicated that the feature will be gradually rolled out to everyone over the coming weeks. It's worth noting that Facebook's list of log-on locations and device types “reflect our best guesses” based on a user's ISP or wireless carrier.

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