Opening a hacked or malicious message on Facebook can potentially infect your computer or device with viruses, malware, or other harmful software. Facebook messages can contain links, attachments, or code that gets downloaded to your device without you realizing it. If the message comes from an unknown sender or looks suspicious, it’s best not to open it at all. However, even messages from people you know can spread malware if their accounts have been compromised. Here’s an overview of what can happen if you do open a dangerous Facebook message:
Downloading malware
One of the most common risks is that opening the message will download malware onto your device. Malware is an umbrella term for malicious software like viruses, spyware, ransomware, and more. Criminals use malware for identity theft, stealing login credentials, remotely controlling devices, encrypting files for ransom, and spying on users.
Malware is often spread through infected links or attachments. For example, a message might contain a link that looks innocuous but actually leads to a malicious website. Or it might have a file attached that looks like a normal document but contains hidden malware. If you click the link or open the file, code gets installed on your device without you realizing it. Once installed, the malware can do serious damage or give hackers access to sensitive information.
Visiting phishing sites
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where scammers create fake login pages mimicking real sites. The goal is to trick you into entering your username and password, which gives them access to your accounts.
Hacked Facebook messages often contain phishing links to fake pages impersonating Facebook, Google, banks, or other popular sites. The links may look convincing, but they actually redirect to scammy phishing sites. If you enter your credentials, the hackers can steal your account information and personal data. Even just visiting the malicious site can infect your device with malware.
Spam and scams
Not all hacked messages have malware – some are simply used to spread spam or run scams. For example, a message may come from a compromised friend’s account promoting or linking to a product, website, or scam offer. The spammer’s goal is to use your friend’s account to make their message look more legitimate and trick you into clicking.
Spam messages try to sell questionable products, promote shady websites, or get you to participate in online scams. These can include fake giveaways, phony job offers, payday loans, and other financial scams aimed at stealing money or personal information. While less dangerous than malware, spam still wastes your time and can lead to identity theft if you provide the scammers with any details.
Account compromise
In some cases, opening a malicious message can directly compromise your Facebook account. For example, the message may trick you into entering your Facebook login credentials by redirecting to a convincing phishing site. Or the message could launch an exploit that hackers use to break into your account without you realizing.
Once they have access to your account, attackers can post malicious content or spam themselves, putting your friends at risk. They can also access private information in your messages and profile. A compromised account can be difficult to recover, especially if the hackers enable extra security settings to lock you out.
Data theft
Beyond account access, malware and phishing attempts are often aimed at stealing your personal data. This includes banking and financial information, login credentials for various sites, identity details, and any other sensitive information on your device.
For example, a hacked message might install a keylogger to record everything you type, or take screenshots to capture info on your screen. In the hands of cybercriminals, this data can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, extortion schemes, or selling your information on the dark web. Once stolen, your data can be extremely hard to recover.
5 ways to identify dangerous Facebook messages
With hacked messages on the rise, it’s important to be able to identify risky or suspicious content on Facebook. Here are 5 key warning signs to look out for:
1. Messages from unknown senders
Any message from someone not on your friends list should be treated cautiously. Hackers often send spam or malicious links from compromised accounts you don’t know. Even if the message looks legitimate, it’s safer to ignore or delete messages from strangers altogether.
2. Suspicious links
Scrutinize any links closely before clicking. Hover over the link to preview the URL – if it leads somewhere completely unrelated, it’s likely malicious. Watch for odd spellings, wrong domain names, misplaced letters, and other URL red flags. Links shortened with services like Bitly are also high-risk since you can’t see the full web address.
3. Spoofed accounts
Use caution with messages from accounts claiming to be big companies, celebrities, or friends. Hackers often spoof accounts to appear real, for example by using profile pictures and names of famous people or brands. But on closer inspection, the account was just created and has no posts or followers.
4. Weird file attachments
An innocent looking document like a PDF or Word doc can easily contain embedded malware. Most friends won’t randomly send you attachments out of the blue. So any unexpected files from contacts should be treated as suspicious.
5. Poor spelling and grammar
Messages with obvious spelling errors, broken English, and grammatical mistakes are a giveaway. Legitimate companies put care into their communications. The sloppiness suggests a scammer who doesn’t speak your language natively.
6 ways to protect yourself from dangerous Facebook messages
Here are some tips to beef up your account security and avoid potential threats from hacked Facebook messages:
1. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor or “2FA” requires both your password and a secondary code to log in. This protects your account even if hackers get your password through phishing or malware. The extra login step prevents them from accessing your account.
2. Check sender details carefully
Don’t just glance at a name or profile pic. Actually click on unknown senders to inspect their account before responding. Look for red flags like no posts, new account, overseas location, or other sketchy details.
3. Avoid clicking unfamiliar links
Go to the website manually by typing it directly into your browser if you want to visit it. Don’t risk clicking mystery links in messages from strangers or shady looking accounts.
4. Be wary of opening attachments
You can preview attachment files without opening them fully. But it’s best to avoid downloading anything sent out of the blue from suspicious accounts.
5. Use anti-malware software
Reputable antivirus programs detect and block most malware, phishing attempts, and other cyberthreats before they reach your device. Use robust software and keep it updated.
6. Report spam or abuse
Alert Facebook if you receive suspicious messages by tapping the dropdown arrow and selecting “Report”. You can also block the sender to avoid further unwanted messages.
What to do if you open a dangerous message
If you accidentally click a dubious link or download suspicious files, here are some steps to take right away:
1. Run anti-malware scans
Install a trusted antivirus program if you don’t have one, and run a full system scan to detect and remove any malware. This limits the damage and eliminates viruses before they spread.
2. Change passwords
If there’s any chance your Facebook, email, or other account passwords were compromised, change them immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to limit risks. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
3. Watch for unauthorized activity
Carefully monitor financial accounts, credit reports, and online accounts over the next weeks for any fraudulent activity. Report any suspicious charges or access to your accounts. Signs of identity theft may emerge over time.
4. Disconnect any linked devices
If your Facebook account was accessed, disconnect any linked third-party apps or devices through your Facebook settings. This prevents hackers from accessing other accounts through Facebook.
5. Log out all active sessions
You can view and log out all devices and browsers currently logged into your Facebook account under Security Settings. This kicks out any hackers logged in.
6. Contact Facebook support
If you believe your account was compromised by malware or phishing, report it to Facebook right away. They can help secure it and undo unauthorized changes made by hackers.
Long-term ways to tighten Facebook security
Beyond dealing with individual threats, you should take proactive measures to lock down your Facebook profile in general:
Limit public info
Keep personal details like your phone number, address, birthday, and hometown private. Don’t provide hackers with ammunition for social engineering or identity theft.
Carefully accept friend requests
Confirm friend requests are really from people you know before accepting. Scammers make fake profiles with pictures scraped online to look familiar.
Avoid third-party apps
Don’t readily connect random apps and services to Facebook. The fewer integrations, the lower your risk if your account is compromised. Only use apps you fully trust.
Turn on login alerts
Facebook can email or text you whenever someone logs in from a new location or device. This acts as an early warning for suspicious logins.
Use strong passwords
Weak or reused passwords make it easy for hackers to break in. Create a long, random, unique phrase as your Facebook password for maximum safety.
Facebook message safety tips
Here are some final tips for staying vigilant about Facebook message safety:
– Never send personal or banking details to strangers who message you out of the blue.
– Don’t click unfamiliar links in messages, even from friends. Their account may be hacked.
– Be wary of emotionally manipulative messages invoking urgency or desperation.
– Closely inspect message sender names for subtle misspellings or typos.
– Hover over questionable links to preview their real destination before clicking.
– If in doubt, delete any messages that make you uneasy or seem “off”.
Conclusion
Facebook messages can be used by cybercriminals to deliver malware, steal data, and compromise accounts. It’s essential to use caution when opening messages, especially from unknown senders. Watch for red flags like suspicious links, weird attachments, and spoofed accounts impersonating friends or brands. If you do mistakenly open a dangerous message, take immediate steps like running antivirus scans, changing passwords, and contacting Facebook support. Adopting smart long-term security habits can help keep your Facebook profile safe from hackers for the long haul. Remember to report any malicious messages so Facebook can shut down the scammers spreading threats on their platform. Using due diligence about what you click goes a long way in protecting yourself from ever-evolving social media scams.