Locked out of Facebook? Give friends a spare key

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Facebook is offering users new security options.

It has begun testing a new tool called Trusted Friends, which lets users give three to five friends on the social network a special code that can unlock their account if they forget their password.

Facebook says it’s similar to giving a spare house key to friends when you’re away.

The option will show up on the ‘Account Settings’ page during the next few weeks, the company said.

How it works: If you find yourself locked out of your account, you can click ‘forgot my password’ and request that keys be sent to your friends in a Facebook message. You then enter the code on Facebook’s password recovery page to log back in. This won’t replace security words or other ways to regain access to your account.

Facebook will also now give you the option to have separate passwords for applications. To access that feature that will roll out in the coming weeks, go to your ‘Account Settings.’ Click on ‘Security Tab’ and then the ‘App Passwords’ section.

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-- Jessica Guynn

Infographic: Facebook (click image to see a larger version)