Facebook pushes security tips to all its users

IDG News Service - Facebook has started promoting security tips at the top of each user's home page, with a link to information about scams, passwords and how to stay safe on the social network.

Users are told not to use the same password for their Facebook and email accounts. The page also has tips on how to spot scams. "One of the top ways that people get locked out of their account is by falling for scams," says a Facebook engineer in a video.

Users are also urged to give Facebook their mobile phone numbers, which the company says it will use to text them a new password in the event of a data breach.

There is no mention of malware in the security materials. Yet Facebook announced its participation earlier on Thursday in an alliance geared toward eliminating the distribution of malware through bogus online ads and in May free trials of several major antivirus programs.

The move follows news of data breaches at several social networks, notably LinkedIn earlier this month.

The notifications will roll out to all users over the next couple of days, a Facebook spokeswoman said.

Cameron Scott covers search, web services and privacy for The IDG News Service. Follow Cameron on Twitter at CScott_IDG.