Getting hacked on Facebook can be a scary and frustrating experience. Your account contains personal information, conversations with friends and family, and access to connected apps and sites. A compromised account can lead to identity theft, embarrassment, loss of data, and other issues. While no account is 100% secure, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of being hacked. Understanding common ways hackers gain access to accounts is the first step towards better protecting yourself on Facebook.
Using Weak or Compromised Passwords
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to Facebook accounts is by guessing weak passwords or obtaining passwords compromised in data breaches. Here are some password-related risks that can lead to getting hacked:
Using simple, easy-to-guess passwords
Passwords like “password123” or using your birthday or name can be easily guessed or cracked with brute force attacks. Always use random strings of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords.
Reusing passwords across accounts
If your Facebook password is the same as another compromised account, hackers can gain access with credentials obtained elsewhere. Use a unique, complex password for Facebook that is not used on any other sites.
Falling for phishing emails
Hackers will try to trick you into revealing your password through fake login pages. Never enter your Facebook password after following a link in an email.
Using breached passwords
If any of your accounts have been involved in a data breach, your email and password may be available to hackers. Routinely change important passwords and avoid reusing breached credentials.
Using weak password reset questions
Your password reset questions can also be vulnerable if they are easy to research, such as your mother’s maiden name. Choose obscure questions only you know the answer to.
Enabling Access via Third-Party Apps
Granting extensive permissions to third-party Facebook apps and services also opens up risk of account hacks:
Connecting with sketchy apps
Many apps will request access to information like your profile, friends list, photos, and messages. Only connect apps you fully trust from reputable developers, and avoid granting unnecessary permissions.
Giving keys to the kingdom
Be extremely cautious providing apps access to core account functions like managing your pages, posting as you, reading your private messages, and more. Hackers can exploit this access.
Not monitoring old app connections
Apps you may have connected to years ago could contain vulnerabilities or change ownership. Routinely audit approved apps and remove any that seem risky or that you no longer use.
Allowing compromised browser extensions
Browser extensions can also pose a risk if they have access to your Facebook session. Only install reputable extensions and monitor them for hacks or unauthorized changes.
Falling for Facebook Scams
Hackers are very crafty and will use a variety of tricks to try and fool Facebook users:
Clicking sketchy links
From Facebook posts, messages, emails and external sites, be very cautious what links you click. Even links that appear to come from friends could be hijacked. Hover over links to inspect their real destination before clicking.
Entering data on fake pages
Phishing pages impersonating Facebook login pages are common. Scrutinize the URL of any page asking you to enter your credentials. Only enter data on https://www.facebook.com.
Opening attachments or media
Hackers can embed malware in document and media files. Never open attachments or download files in messages unless you can fully verify the sender and contents first.
Providing personal data
In messages or posts, hackers may try and trick you into revealing personal data like your date of birth which could allow them to access your account. Never give out sensitive information.
Following celebrity impersonators
It’s common for hackers to create fake celebrity profiles to scam users. Check that any high-profile accounts are verified before interacting.
Device and Location Vulnerabilities
How and where you access Facebook also influences your risk of being hacked:
Using public WiFi
Public WiFi is rife with hackers looking for accounts to compromise. Never access Facebook on public hotspots – use your phone data instead or a trusted VPN.
Accessing from shared devices
If using a shared or borrowed device to access Facebook, make sure to log out when you are done. Also close the browser fully and clear your session cookies.
Not logging out properly
Logging out of Facebook properly is crucial, especially on shared machines. Hackers can gain access via an unattended open session.
Keeping Facebook open in tabs
Having Facebook open in background browser tabs over long periods leaves you exposed. Close Facebook fully when you are done or step away from your device.
Using auto-login
The “keep me logged in” option is convenient but also keeps you continually exposed. Only enable it on private, secured devices.
Oversharing on Facebook
What you openly share on Facebook can unfortunately help hackers gain access and compromise your account:
Exposing your email address
Your email address can be used for phishing attacks and gaining access. Never share it openly in posts, images, or your public profile.
Sharing birthdays and ages
Your exact date of birth is private data that can help hackers guess or reset passwords. Never share your full birthday – only the month and date if you must.
Posting images with metadata
Photos can contain metadata like location details that criminals use to research and target you. Always scrub image metadata before posting.
Listing places you frequent
Openly listing the restaurants, shops, clubs, and other venues you visit allows criminals to physically track and target you. Be very selective in locations you check-in to or tag.
Showing you are away from home
Posts, check-ins, and images showing you on vacation or away from home alerts criminals that your home may be empty and vulnerable. Never post real-time location info publicly.
Enhancing Facebook Security Settings
Adjusting your Facebook account settings, tools, and preferences is key to reducing your risk of being hacked:
Turn on login notifications
Facebook can email or text you whenever your account logs in from a new device. This acts as an early warning of suspicious activity.
Enable two-factor authentication
Adding an extra step like confirming via text code minimizes the risk of hackers accessing your account even if they have your password.
Check where you are logged in
You can view all active sessions and logouts out of any you do not recognize to protect yourself in the event of a password compromise.
Remove trusted contacts
While trusted contacts can help regain access, they also pose a risk for hacks. Delete any you no longer trust fully to protect your account.
Tighten up privacy settings
Limit the personal data that is visible to the public to minimize info hackers can leverage to infiltrate or impersonate you.
Being Vigilant on Facebook
Your own actions and awareness are the best defense against Facebook hacks:
Monitoring account activity
Routinely check your security log for any actions you don’t recognize, like password resets or new logins. Report suspicious events immediately.
Securing your devices
Use anti-virus software, firewalls, and malware protection to minimize vulnerabilities hackers can use to access your system and Facebook account.
Choosing strong passwords
The longer and more random your Facebook password, the harder it will be for hackers to crack. Regularly change it too.
Deleting suspicious messages
Don’t engage with sketchy Facebook messages and posts. Report and delete them immediately to protect yourself.
Scrutinizing emails and links
Carefully inspect any emails or links relating to Facebook before clicking or entering data. Hover over links and look for typos or mismatched URLs.
Recovering from a Hacked Facebook Account
Logging out of all sessions
If your account is compromised, first log out of Facebook on all devices to remove attacker access and lock them out. Change your password next.
Enabling enhanced security
Activate features like two-factor authentication if you haven’t already. This will prevent the hacker from easily regaining access later.
Checking recent posts and messages
Review your profile for any inappropriate content the hacker may have posted while in control of your account. Remove anything suspicious.
Reporting compromised accounts
Use Facebook’s reporting tools to notify them your account was hacked. They can help secure it and restrict attacker access.
Reaching out to friends
Let your Facebook contacts know your account was hacked in case they received any suspicious messages during the breach.
Conclusion
While hackers are constantly evolving their tactics, you can keep your Facebook account secure through vigilance, smart password practices, privacy precautions, security tools, and safe social media habits. Monitor your account activity closely and report any unauthorized actions. With proper online safety habits, you can greatly minimize risks and enjoy Facebook safely.