Facebook now lets you log in with a physical key for hack-proof experience

Facebook has introduced new security measures that allow account holders to use a physical key to access their social network profile.

The social media firm has announced it now supports the FIDO U2F security key – a physical key that’s plugged into the USB-port on a computer and is tapped to confirm login, alongside a password to open Facebook.

Facebook says that using the key will make accounts ‘immune’ to hackers.

Mobile users will also be able to use NFC (near-field communication) technology – the same software that powers contactless services – to connect the key with some Android devices.

Once activated via Facebook’s security setting, both the key and the password are needed to log in – a set-up that’s known as two-factor authentication – and a set-up Facebook also says will make remote hacking into accounts impossible.

The social network currently has more than 1.79 billion active users.