Facebook world's largest social network is rolling out Trusted Contacts, a new password recovery method developed based on both testing and user feedback from a small pool of members.
"So your trusted contacts can be sure it's you trying to access your account, it's best to talk to them over the phone or in person," a Facebook blog post published Thursday advises. "Someone else can impersonate you through e-mail, chat, or text messages, or hack and read your messages."
"You can recover your account with help from your friends." Facebook users can select between three to five trusted friends who can help out if when experiencing issues accessing their account.
For example, if you forget your password, Facebook can send codes to the chosen friends, who can then pass along that information you need to access your account.
Facebook users can manage lists of trusted contacts using Facebook security settings. Members of the social network locked out of their accounts will need security codes from three friends to get back in, according to Facebook.
"Once you've set up your trusted contacts, if you ever have trouble logging in, you'll have your trusted contacts as an option to help," Facebook said.
"You just need to call your trusted contacts and let them know you need their help to regain access to your account."
