Getting hacked on Facebook can be a stressful and unfortunate experience. Your personal information, photos, conversations, and more could be exposed or compromised by cybercriminals. However, there are steps you can take to try to secure your account and reduce the impact of the hack. Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do if your Facebook account gets hacked:
How do you know if your Facebook account has been hacked?
Some signs your Facebook may be hacked include:
– Strange posts or messages being shared from your account
– Friends receiving odd messages or friend requests that seem to come from you
– Emails from Facebook about password resets you didn’t initiate
– Being logged out of your account unexpectedly
– Posts disappearing or being deleted
– New friend requests being sent from your account
– Pop-up ads suddenly appearing while browsing Facebook
What should you do if you think your Facebook has been hacked?
If you suspect your Facebook has been compromised, take the following steps:
– Log out of all active Facebook sessions. You can do this by going to Settings – Security and Login – Where You’re Logged In. Log out of all sessions except the one on the device you’re currently using.
– Change your Facebook password immediately. Make sure it is strong and unique.
– Enable two-factor authentication for extra security on your account. This requires you to input a code from your phone when logging in from a new device.
– Check the lists of your Facebook friends and followers. Remove any profiles you don’t recognize.
– Scan your Facebook privacy settings and make sure they are set to your comfort level for sharing. Cybercriminals may have changed them.
– Review your Facebook profile information and posts. Delete anything suspicious that may have been posted without your knowledge.
– Run a virus scan on your computer or mobile devices in case of malware infections allowing access to your account.
Should you report the Facebook hack?
Yes, you should absolutely report any unauthorized access or hacking of your Facebook account. Here’s how:
– Go to the Facebook Help Center and search for “hacked accounts.” Follow the steps to report your account was compromised.
– File a report with your local police department. Provide them with details of the incident and any evidence you have.
– Report the hack to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. This helps authorities track cyber crimes.
– Notify your friends and followers on Facebook. Tell them your account was hacked so they can be vigilant for any suspicious messages from your account.
How can you restore and secure your Facebook after being hacked?
Once you’ve regained access to your account, you can take these steps to help restore security:
– Remove anything the hacker posted. Delete any messages, photos, posts or uploads made without your permission.
– Turn on login approvals. This requires you to enter a security code to access your account on new devices.
– Make your password strong and unique. Don’t use that password on any other sites.
– Be cautious of emails, links and attachments, as these are common hacking methods.
– Limit the apps and third-party services connected to your Facebook account. Fewer connections means fewer vulnerabilities.
– Check your privacy settings again. Tighten up the visibility of posts, photos and profile information.
– Monitor your account activity frequently for any unusual or suspicious behavior.
How Do Facebook Hacks Happen?
Cybercriminals use a variety of techniques to gain access to Facebook accounts, including:
Phishing
Phishing involves emails, messages or fake websites pretending to be from Facebook in order to trick you into handing over your login credentials. These messages often look legitimate but contain subtle clues they are phishing scams, like bad grammar or odd links. Never enter your username or password after following a link in an unsolicited message.
Malware
Malware includes viruses, spyware, keyloggers and other malicious software that gets installed on your devices without you realizing it. Malware can record your keystrokes to steal passwords as you type them. Make sure your computer and mobile devices have up-to-date antivirus software installed to detect malware.
Data Breaches
When websites or companies that store usernames and passwords get hacked, that login information gets leaked and sold on the dark web. Cybercriminals then try those same email/password combinations on Facebook and other popular sites. Using unique passwords for every account helps minimize this risk.
Password Guessing
If your Facebook password is weak, short or commonly used, hackers can guess it through automated programs that try thousands of different combinations. A strong, complex password over 12 characters long can help prevent guessing.
Social Engineering
This involves manipulating or tricking Facebook users into giving up login credentials or personal information that helps hackers access their accounts. Stay wary of any unsolicited messages requesting your personal data.
Compromised Friends
If a hacker gains access to one of your Facebook friend’s accounts, they can use it to send messages or links to other friends. View messages from friends with skepticism if they seem suspicious or out of character.
Third-Party Apps
Some third-party Facebook apps harvest account data or have security flaws that get exploited by hackers. Be cautious when granting app permissions and only use well-known, legitimate apps. Revoke access for unused apps.
Protecting Your Facebook from Future Hacks
While no online account is completely hack-proof, there are important steps everyone should take to improve Facebook security:
Use Strong Passwords
The easiest way for hackers to break into Facebook accounts is by guessing weak passwords. Make your Facebook password over 12 characters, with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor requires both your password and a secondary step like a code from your phone. This adds an extra barrier for anyone trying to log in as you.
Don’t Use Facebook Password Elsewhere
If you reuse the same Facebook password on other accounts, it only takes one breach to expose it. Unique passwords on every service can isolate breaches.
Beware of Phishing
Stay alert for phishing emails and texts asking you to click suspicious links or provide sensitive information. Facebook will never ask for your password unexpectedly.
Check Connected Apps
Minimize the number of third-party apps linked to your Facebook to reduce vulnerabilities.Remove any unfamiliar or unused apps.
Privacy Settings
Review and tighten your Facebook privacy settings periodically. The more private your profile, the less data is exposed if your account is compromised.
Don’t Jailbreak Mobile Devices
Jailbreaking phones removes security protections and makes devices more vulnerable to malware. Don’t jailbreak devices where you use Facebook.
Install a Password Manager
Password managers generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This prevents password reuse and helps keep Facebook secure.
Monitor Account Activity
Routinely check your Facebook account for any unusual posts, messages or new friend requests, which could indicate hacking activity.
Secure Other Accounts
Hackers who gain access to your Facebook may target connected accounts, like email or Amazon. Strengthen security across all your important online accounts.
Recovering from a Facebook Hack
If your Facebook does get hacked, here are some steps to help recover your account and limit the damage:
Scan Devices for Malware
Run full antivirus scans on all computers and phones linked to your Facebook account. Quarantine or remove any infections found that could have led to the hack.
Change Facebook Password
Once you regain account access, immediately change your password to lock out the hacker. Make it long, complex and unique. Enable two-factor authentication as well.
Remove the Hacker’s Activities
Thoroughly inspect your Facebook activity for any unauthorized posts, messages, new friends or other actions from the hacker and remove them.
Alert Friends
Let your Facebook friends and followers know about the hack, so they can watch for any suspicious messages sent during the compromise period.
Review Privacy Settings
Check all your privacy settings to see what the hacker may have accessed or changed. Tighten restrictions and visibility to re-secure your account.
Deactivate Linked Accounts
To prevent access to other services, temporarily deactivate any third party apps or sites linked to your Facebook, like Instagram or Spotify. Reconnect them later once your account is secure.
Contact Facebook
Report hacking incidents directly to Facebook via the Help Center. Provide details like when it occurred and what the hacker accessed. Facebook can help investigate.
File a Police Report
Officially document hacking crimes with local law enforcement or agencies like the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. This helps authorities track cybercriminals.
Preventing Facebook Hacks
The most effective way to avoid getting hacked on Facebook is being proactive with your account security:
Only Log In on Secure Networks
Never access your Facebook account on public Wi-Fi networks. These can have hackers intercepting login details. Only log in on password protected home/work networks.
Install a Firewall
Firewalls add a layer of protection by blocking unauthorized access to your computer and network activity. This prevents hackers from gaining access to data like Facebook credentials.
Close Unused Accounts
If you have old or secondary Facebook accounts you no longer use, close them. Unauthorized access often takes place on inactive accounts that are forgotten about.
Avoid Password Reuse
One of the biggest risks comes from reusing the same Facebook password elsewhere. Having unique passwords for every account can limit the damage from data breaches.
Limit Info Sharing
Be cautious about sharing personal details like your date of birth, address or phone number on your Facebook profile. This data helps hackers with password resets or social engineering.
Turn On Login Approvals
Facebook’s two-factor authentication requires hackers to have both your password and a login code sent to your phone, adding critical extra security.
Check Linked Apps
Reduce the number of third-party apps connected to Facebook to limit potential vulnerabilities. Remove any unused apps that could pose risks.
Watch for Phishing Tricks
Stay alert for phishing attempts via email, text messages and websites pretending to be from Facebook. Avoid clicking links or entering info in suspicious messages.
| Hacking Method | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|
| Phishing | Don’t click suspicious links and never enter your Facebook password after following a link in an email or text message. Look for subtle clues like bad grammar or odd URLs. |
| Malware Infections | Install comprehensive antivirus software on all computers and phones and perform regular scans to detect malware. |
| Password Guessing | Create a complex Facebook password over 12 characters in length using random words, numbers and special symbols. |
| Data Breaches | Use unique passwords for every account so that breaches are isolated instead of exposing your Facebook login. |
| Social Engineering | Be wary of any unexpected requests for personal data or login credentials. Facebook will never ask for your password. |
Conclusion
Getting your Facebook account hacked can be stressful, invasive and compromise your personal data. However, being proactive about Facebook security and knowing what to do if you are hacked can help minimize the damage. Enable two-factor authentication, create complex passwords, avoid phishing scams, monitor your account activity and be cautious when contacted unexpectedly for account information. Implementing strong precautions makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your profile and prevents most hacking incidents. But if your account is compromised, acting quickly to report it, change credentials and remove unauthorized content can help secure Facebook again. With vigilance and good account hygiene, Facebook users can stay in control and protect themselves from the vast majority of hacking risks.