Social media hacking has become increasingly common in recent years. Platforms like Facebook contain a wealth of personal information that can be exploited by hackers for financial gain or to embarrass the victim. One way hackers can gain access to Facebook accounts is through malware or viruses that infect the user’s device. But can a virus really hack your Facebook account? Let’s take a closer look at how viruses work and the threats they pose to social media security.
What is a computer virus?
A computer virus is a type of malicious software or malware that infects devices and systems. Once installed, a virus self-replicates by spreading copies of itself to other files and programs. Viruses often perform harmful actions such as corrupting data, slowing down systems, or wiping out entire hard drives. Most viruses spread through executable files, emails, infected website links, or removable media like USB sticks. Modern antivirus software is designed to detect and remove viruses before they can infect a system.
How viruses spread on Facebook
Facebook’s massive userbase of over 2 billion people makes it a prime target for viruses and other malware. Attackers can leverage Facebook to rapidly spread infected links or files on a global scale. Here are some of the ways viruses propagate on Facebook:
- Fake or compromised profiles sending out infected messages or links through Facebook Messenger.
- Malicious browser extensions and apps that spread viruses to users’ systems.
- Infected ads containing viruses that load when users view or click on them.
- Scam campaigns spreading fake news or sensational stories with embedded viruses.
- Fake Facebook login pages designed to steal user credentials and install malware.
Once a virus has infected one user’s system, the attacker can utilize their account to infect their friends and contacts, enabling the virus to spread exponentially through social connections on Facebook.
Can a virus hack your Facebook account?
The short answer is yes, a virus can potentially hack your Facebook account. However, viruses don’t directly hack accounts, but rather steal login credentials and other personal data that give attackers access. Here are the main ways a virus can facilitate Facebook account hacking:
Keyloggers
Keylogger viruses record keystrokes on infected devices, capturing usernames, passwords, bank details, and other sensitive information. If a user logs into their Facebook account on a device with a keylogger, the virus can steal their login credentials.
Phishing links
Phishing links are fake Facebook login pages used to steal account details. Viruses may redirect users to these phishing pages or trick them into entering their credentials through infected links sent on Facebook Messenger.
Spyware
Spyware infections allow hackers to monitor the activity on a device, including viewing account passwords and login sessions in real time. This grants permanent access to accounts, even after a password is changed.
Facebook hacks
In some cases, viruses grant full control over a user’s system to execute more sophisticated Facebook hacks:
- Accessing stored browser cookies for the account
- Brute forcing or guessing weak passwords
- Intercepting Facebook login verification codes
- Modifying browser settings to enable auto-login
So while viruses themselves don’t hack accounts directly, they enable attackers to more easily steal credentials and takeover accounts by exploiting infected devices.
Signs your Facebook may be hacked by a virus
If you suspect your Facebook account has been compromised by a virus or malware infection, here are some common signs to watch out for:
Strange posts or messages
If random or gibberish posts start appearing from your account, it may be hacked. These could be used to spread more infected links. Unusual messages sent from your account could also indicate hacking.
Unknown logins
Check the login history on your Facebook account from the security settings page. Unrecognized logins from new locations, devices or IP addresses may be a sign of hacking.
New friend requests
A sudden influx of new friend requests from people you don’t know could mean your account is being used to send infected links or phishing scams.
Forgotten interactions
Do you notice likes, reactions or comments on posts or profiles that you don’t remember interacting with? This activity could come from an attacker controlling your account.
Spam notifications
Getting an unusual amount of random notifications can occur if viruses post content or interact with profiles using your account.
Suspicious ads
Strange ads showing up frequently on your Facebook feed may indicate malware redirecting your browser or sending clicks to profit from ads fraud.
Protecting your Facebook from viruses
Here are some tips to safeguard your Facebook account from viruses:
Install antivirus software
Reliable antivirus solutions like Norton, McAfee and AVG can block viruses and malware from infecting your system in the first place. Keep software updated and run regular scans.
Beware of scams
Don’t open suspicious links or attachments in messages, even from friends, as their accounts may be compromised. Avoid clicking ads and posts promoting sensational stories or outrageous claims, which commonly spread viruses.
Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds a second step to logging into Facebook, such as an SMS code or authenticator app confirmation. This prevents hackers from accessing your account with only a stolen password.
Change passwords frequently
Regularly changing your Facebook password makes it harder for hackers to gain long-term access to your account, even if they manage to steal an old password.
Check privacy settings
Restrict your visible posts, profile info and friend list only to trusted connections. Hackers can leverage looser privacy settings to send infected links using your account.
Log out of public computers
Always log out of any shared or public devices after using Facebook. This prevents access to your account from browsers with malicious extensions or keyloggers.
Monitor account activity
Periodically review your Facebook account security and login history for any suspicious behavior indicating potential viruses or hacking.
Recovering from a hacked Facebook account
If your account has already been compromised by a virus, here are some steps to regain control:
Run a virus scan
Run a full system scan with updated antivirus software to clean any infections that may have led to the hack. Also scan devices used to access the account.
Change your password
Change your Facebook password immediately using a new, complex password that hasn’t been used anywhere else. This prevents continued access with stolen credentials.
Revoke account access
From the Facebook Security settings, reset all sessions and remove any unfamiliar linked devices or accounts granting access.
Enable login alerts
Turn on login alerts or notifications to monitor any future unrecognized access of your account.
Check connected apps
Remove any unauthorized or unfamiliar third-party apps connected to your account in the App settings page. These could enable hacking.
Review content and followers
Delete any suspicious posts or messages used to spread viruses further. Unfriend or block any followers acquired due to hacking activity.
Contact Facebook support
If hacking issues persist, report them directly to Facebook via live chat or submit a support ticket for additional account recovery assistance.
Conclusion
Viruses pose a significant threat to Facebook account security by aiding various hacking methods. However, users can take key steps to protect themselves, such as using antivirus software, enabling two-factor authentication, monitoring account activity, and updating passwords frequently. If your account is compromised, act quickly to revoke access, scan devices, and contact Facebook support if necessary to regain control of your account. Practicing cautious security habits makes it much harder for viruses to turn into full-blown account hacks.
References
Statistics on Facebook users and hacking
| Number of monthly active Facebook users worldwide as of December 2022 | 2.96 billion |
| Percentage of social media users who have had accounts hacked as of February 2021 | 15% |
| Percentage of social media hacking victims who had a Facebook account breached | 58% |
Sources:
Common social media hacking techniques
| Hacking method | Description |
| Phishing | Tricking users into entering login credentials on fake pages |
| Malware/viruses | Infecting devices with trojans, spyware, keyloggers to steal data |
| Credential stuffing | Automatically trying stolen username/password pairs |
| Social engineering | Manipulating users into revealing account details themselves |
| SIM swapping | Porting the victim’s number to a new SIM card controlled by hacker |
Source: Heimdal Security
Top ways viruses facilitate Facebook hacking
| Method | Details |
| Stealing login credentials | Keyloggers and spyware capture Facebook usernames and passwords entered on infected devices |
| Spreading phishing links | Fake Facebook login pages can be spread through Messenger and posts |
| Installing remote access tools | RATs provide full control over a system to steal cookies, intercept codes, etc. |
| Spreading through social connections | Once an account is hacked, the virus leverages friends/contacts to propagate further |
Source: InfoSec Institute
Preventing Facebook hacking
Here are 5 top tips to protect your Facebook account from hacking:
- Use strong unique passwords – Don’t reuse passwords across accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication – Adds an extra layer of security at login.
- Limit app permissions – Only allow known, trusted apps access.
- Check login notifications – Monitor unauthorized logins.
- Update privacy settings – Limit profile and post visibility.
Practicing safe security habits makes it much harder for any potential viruses or malware to gain a foothold and facilitate account hacking.