With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Unfortunately, this also makes it a major target for hackers and cybercriminals looking to steal personal information. Facebook hacks can range from simple password guessing to sophisticated phishing scams designed to gain access to your account. So how do you know if your Facebook account has been compromised? Here are some of the most common signs that your account may have been hacked.
You notice posts or messages you didn’t create
One of the most obvious signs of a Facebook hack is seeing posts or messages appear that you didn’t write. For example, you might see strange links posted on your timeline pointing to malicious sites, or messages sent to your friends containing suspicious links or attachments. If you notice content on your profile that you don’t recognize, your account may have been taken over by a hacker.
Your friends see posts from you that you didn’t make
Similarly, your friends may see questionable posts, messages or friend requests that appear to come from you, but that you never actually sent. For instance, your friends may receive a message with strange links from your account. If they mention seeing odd activity from your profile, chances are your account has been compromised.
You are locked out of your account
If you try to log into your Facebook account and find that your password suddenly doesn’t work, that’s a strong indication your account may have been hacked. Hackers who gain access to your account will often change the password to lock you out. You may also find that your account recovery options, like your registered email or phone number, were changed without your knowledge. Being abruptly locked out means a hacker has likely taken over your account.
You notice new friend requests
A flood of new friend requests, especially from people you don’t know, can be a sign your account has been hacked. Hackers often try to gain access to as many other accounts as possible once they’ve compromised one account. Keep an eye out for a spike in friend requests, which likely means your account is being used to send out requests in an attempt to spread malicious links or software.
You have a virus after clicking unusual links from your account
If your antivirus program detects a virus, especially after you or your friends have clicked on suspicious links from your account, chances are your account has been taken over by hackers using it to spread malware. Use antivirus software to remove any viruses. But make sure your account wasn’t the original source, as this likely means it has been compromised.
How do Facebook hacks happen?
Now that you know the signs of a potential Facebook hack, how exactly do these hacks happen in the first place? Here are some of the most common ways hackers can gain access to your Facebook account:
An infected device is used to log in
One of the biggest threats comes from malware, spyware and viruses that may have infected the computer or mobile device you use to access Facebook. These infections allow hackers to steal passwords, install keylogging software, or even take remote control of the device to log in and gain access. Always be sure your antivirus software is active and up-to-date.
You fall for a phishing scam
Phishing scams are emails, messages or websites dressed up to impersonate official Facebook communications in order to steal your login credentials. For example, you might get an email that looks like it’s from Facebook asking you to click a link and log in to confirm your information. However, the page you are directed to is a fake controlled by hackers aiming to steal your username and password.
You use weak or reused passwords
Hackers routinely attempt to break into Facebook accounts by guessing weak passwords or using credentials leaked from previous data breaches. To prevent this, always use a unique, complex password for your Facebook account that uses a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a password manager as well.
Keylogging malware or spyware infects your device
Sophisticated malware including keylogger spyware can record your keystrokes to steal passwords and other information. This malware is often stealthily installed when you click on attachments or links from questionable sources. Use antivirus software to detect and disable these threats.
You fall victim to SIM swapping
SIM swapping is when hackers convince your phone carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM card they control. This lets them reset passwords and bypass two-factor authentication tied to your phone number. Use authentication apps rather than phone-based authentication when possible.
How to secure your Facebook account
Once your Facebook account has been compromised, you’ll need to regain control of the account and make sure it’s properly secured to prevent future attacks. Here are some tips:
Reset your password and enable two-factor authentication
If your account was hacked, the first step is to recover the account and reset your password. Make your new password unique and complex. Also enable Facebook’s two-factor authentication, which requires an authentication code from your phone any time someone logs in from a new device. This provides an extra layer of security.
Check settings and remove unknown linked accounts
Review your Facebook account settings for any unfamiliar devices, apps or linked accounts that the hackers may have connected. Remove anything suspicious. Also scroll through your list of authorized apps and remove any unknown or suspicious apps.
Check security and login alerts
Facebook has security features that notify you of logins from unknown devices or locations. Check your alerts and notifications settings and review any recent alerts. If there are logins from unfamiliar places, your account may be compromised.
Watch for continued suspicious activity
Even after changing your password, continue monitoring your account closely over the next few weeks for any unusual posts, messages or new friend requests. These could indicate the hacker still has access or that your account is still compromised in some way.
Run antivirus scans on your devices
Run complete antivirus scans on all your devices to remove any potential infections like keyloggers that may have initially led to your account being hacked. Also scan to detect any new viruses that may have been delivered through your compromised account.
How to recover a hacked Facebook account
If you find yourself locked out of your compromised Facebook account, here are the steps to recover and regain access:
Use the security checkup process
Facebook’s security checkup guides you through the process of recovering an account. It confirms your identity and checks for suspicious activity. Facebook’s automated systems can often detect a hack and restore access.
Request a login code via email
If you can still access the email associated with your Facebook account, you may be able to have a login code sent to your email that will allow you to regain access. This helps confirm you are the actual account owner.
Submit photo ID to prove your identity
If other options fail, Facebook allows you to submit a photo ID, like a driver’s license, to verify your identity. Facebook’s support team will check your ID against your account info to confirm you are the legitimate account holder.
Use Facebook’s account recovery contact
If you previously set up an account recovery contact, like a phone number or alternate email, requesting a recovery code through your recovery contact can allow you to regain access. This is sent to your designated trusted contact.
Contact Facebook support
If you can’t regain access through automated options, directly contact Facebook’s account support team. Be prepared to provide details to confirm your identity, as well as information about when access was lost to show your account was compromised.
How to prevent Facebook hacks
Here are key tips to improve your overall Facebook security and prevent your account being hacked in the future:
Always use strong, unique passwords
The most important step is using secure, complex passwords that are unique for all your accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. Also fully enable two-factor authentication as an added layer of security beyond your password.
Watch for phishing scams
Be cautious of emails and messages claiming to be from Facebook. Contact Facebook directly if you receive a suspicious security alert. Enable Facebook’s email and login notifications so you are aware of activity.
Keep software up-to-date
Always install the latest security patches for your operating system, browser and other software. Update your antivirus program and scan devices regularly for malware. Outdated software and infections make you more vulnerable.
Review account security settings
Check your Facebook account’s security settings regularly. Carefully review connected apps and sites that have access to any part of your account and remove anything unknown. Restrict information shared with third-party apps whenever possible.
Monitor account activity
Routinely check your account’s privacy and security logs so you know what devices are accessing your account and can identify any unknown or unauthorized access. Act quickly if you see any activity from an unknown location.
Warning signs of Facebook scams
In addition to hacking, also watch out for Facebook scams aimed at tricking you into revealing personal information or account access. Here are common red flags:
– Messages or emails with grammar and spelling errors
– Requests to send or receive money
– Offers that seem too good to be true
– Links to suspicious websites
– Messages from accounts impersonating friends or family
– Messages or posts related to political issues, natural disasters, or other headlines
– Messages urgent pressure to click links or provide info immediately
– Login alerts directing you to non-Facebook websites
If you receive messages containing any of these elements, it is likely a scam attempt. Always access Facebook directly rather than clicking links if you receive a suspicious alert. Contact friends and family directly to confirm unusual requests. Use caution sharing personal information over Facebook.
Should you notify your Facebook friends if you’ve been hacked?
If your Facebook account has been compromised, consider notifying your friends list. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros of notifying friends
– They can help monitor your account for continued unusual activity
– They can block your account temporarily to limit damage
– They can increase security on their own accounts if a wider attack is happening
– They can avoid potentially malicious links or attachments sent from your account
Cons of notifying friends
– May be embarrassed or preocupied about account security
– Friends may doubt security of using Facebook
– Notifying a large number of people can be time consuming
– Increased vigilance from friends could lead to false alarms about your activity
– Constant security warnings could be annoying or cause Facebook fatigue
Alternatives to widespread notification
– Notify only your closest friends of the hack rather than all friends
– Enable Facebook alerts to notify friends of unusual activity automatically
– Post a general status update or story about account security, without specifics
– Send private messages to a small group most impacted by suspicious activity
There are pros and cons to notifying friends. Consider only alerting your closest connections directly. Rely on Facebook alerts to handle wider notifications. And don’t provide friends too many security warnings.
How to report a hacked Facebook account
If your Facebook account has been hacked or compromised, make sure to report the issue directly to Facebook as well:
Use the “Find Support” option
In Facebook, go to Settings > Help > Report a Problem to bring up reporting options. Choose “Find Support” to report your account has been hacked.
Choose the “My Account is Compromised” option
Under “Find Support” choose the option “My Account is Compromised” and follow the steps to explain your account has been hacked or otherwise compromised by someone else.
Provide details about the hack or compromise
Facebook will ask for details about suspected hacking activity. Provide information on unauthorized posts, unusual logins, changed account information, or other relevant activity indicating your account was accessed without your consent.
Complete the form to explain what happened
Fill out Facebook’s reporting form fully with key details about how you believe your account was compromised. Provide as many specifics as possible to aid Facebook’s security team in investigating.
Check your email for updates from Facebook
Once submitted, the Facebook security team will review your report and initiate an investigation. Check your email for further communications from Facebook’s security team as they evaluate your report.
Reporting hacking activity directly to Facebook is crucial to help address security flaws impacting all users. Make sure to report any unauthorized access promptly.
Should you contact law enforcement about a Facebook hack?
If your Facebook account is hacked, is it necessary to get law enforcement involved? Here are some things to consider:
Contact law enforcement if:
– Significant financial loss due to fraud
– Evidence the hack is part of a larger criminal operation
– Physical security threats resulting from the hack
– Extortion or blackmail stemming from hacked account access
– Laws were clearly broken like with stolen credit card info
Law enforcement may not be necessary if:
– Hack was isolated without wider impact
– Account was simply taken over to send spam
– No laws appear to have been broken
– No financial loss or physical threats occurred
– Facebook’s security team can fully investigate and resolve
Other options besides law enforcement:
– Report hack directly to Facebook as they investigate
– Notify your bank if any financial accounts were compromised
– Monitor accounts closely for any future suspicious activity
– Make sure account is fully secured to prevent recurrence
– Change passwords on other accounts as a precaution
For most simple Facebook hacks, the company’s security tools and support team can sufficiently investigate and address the issue without law enforcement involvement needed. But for serious hacks involving significant criminal activity, contacting the police may be warranted.
Potential legal consequences of hacking a Facebook account
Although laws vary between jurisdictions, hacking someone’s Facebook account can have serious legal consequences. Potential penalties can include:
| Offense | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| Computer hacking or unauthorized computer access | Up to 5 years in prison |
| Wire fraud | Up to 20 years in prison |
| Computer fraud | Fines or up to 10 years in prison |
| Identity theft | Up to 15 years in prison |
| Violating terms of service | Civil lawsuits and account termination |
Hacking Facebook may also violate the:
– Computer Fraud and Abuse Act
– Stored Communications Act
– Electronic Communications Privacy Act
Those caught hacking Facebook could face state or federal criminal charges. Facebook may also bring civil lawsuits for account terms violations. Don’t attempt to access any Facebook account without proper authorization.
How to delete a hacked Facebook account
If your Facebook account was compromised and you want to delete it entirely, here are the steps:
Regain access to your account
First, recover access using Facebook’s account recovery options. Confirm your identity and reset the password. You’ll need access to delete the account.
Download your account data
From Settings, use the “Download your Information” tool to download a copy of all your Facebook data, posts and photos in case you want them.
Remove any apps connected to the account
Go to Settings > Apps and Websites and remove any apps, games or third-party sites connected to your account to sever ties.
Confirm your identity with photo ID
Facebook requires a photo ID to verify identity before letting you delete an account. Be prepared to submit a driver’s license or other qualifying ID.
Choose the delete account option
From Settings, go to Manage Account > Deactivation and Deletion, then select “Delete Account” and continue through the verification steps.
Once confirmed, your account will be scheduled for deletion and removed from Facebook within 30 days. Back up or transfer anything you want to keep first.
Conclusion
Facebook hacks can pose serious privacy and security risks. But paying attention to warning signs, enabling security options like two-factor authentication, and using strong unique passwords can help protect your account. Make sure to fully secure your account if it is ever compromised. Promptly report hacking activity to Facebook and be vigilant about suspicious posts and messages to prevent future unauthorized access. Handle your account carefully and utilize all Facebook security features to keep it and your private information safe from hackers.