Having your Facebook account hacked and disabled can be an incredibly frustrating experience. Facebook disables accounts that appear compromised to protect users’ privacy and security. While it’s understandable that Facebook takes these precautions, it can feel unjust when you’re locked out of your own account through no fault of your own.
Why would Facebook disable my account after it was hacked?
There are a few key reasons why Facebook might disable your account after it gets hacked:
To prevent further abuse
Once an account is compromised, hackers can use it to perpetrate scams, spread malware, and harass other users. By disabling the account, Facebook aims to prevent further abusive behavior through the account.
To protect your information
Disabling the account also helps protect any private information associated with it, such as posts, messages, photos, and contacts. This prevents the hacker from accessing sensitive personal data.
To investigate suspicious activity
Facebook will want to look into any suspicious account activity that suggests hacking or compromise. Disabling the account temporarily gives them time to investigate what happened.
To require enhanced security
Before you can regain access to a disabled account, Facebook will require you to strengthen security, such as by resetting the password, confirming your identity, and enabling two-factor authentication. This enhances protection against future hacks.
To comply with regulations
Disabling compromised accounts also helps Facebook comply with privacy laws and regulations. Regulators expect social media companies to take action when accounts are clearly hacked.
How would my account have gotten hacked in the first place?
Accounts can get hacked in a variety of ways, including:
Weak or reused passwords
If your Facebook password is weak, short, or reused from other breached accounts, hackers can easily guess or look it up.
Phishing scams
Fake Facebook login pages can trick users into entering their credentials, which get captured by hackers.
Malware infections
Malware implanted on your device could record you typing in your Facebook password.
Data breaches
If your email or phone number associated with Facebook is exposed in a breach, hackers can try resetting your Facebook password.
Social engineering
Hackers may try tricking Facebook support or your friends into giving them access.
Credential stuffing
Automated bots attempt logins using username/password combos leaked in data breaches.
What steps can I take to regain access to my disabled account?
If Facebook has disabled your account due to suspicious activity, here are some steps to try to restore access:
Request a review
In Facebook, use the “Request Review” option after trying to login to have them take another look.
Verify your identity
Facebook may ask you to provide a copy of your photo ID to prove you are the legitimate account owner.
Strengthen your security
Reset your password, turn on two-factor authentication, and check your account recovery settings.
Check the email associated with your account
Facebook may send a notification email with instructions for regaining access to your disabled account.
Use Facebook’s account recovery process
If you can’t login, use Facebook’s dedicated account recovery options to try to restore access.
Contact Facebook support
Reach out to Facebook’s help center and explain that your account was hacked and unfairly disabled.
How can I enhance my Facebook account’s security?
Once you regain access to your disabled Facebook account, be sure to take measures to enhance security, including:
Use a strong, unique password
Create a long, complex password that you don’t use on any other sites.
Set up two-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone at each login.
Be cautious of phishing attempts
Check that Facebook login pages are legitimate before entering your credentials.
Review account recovery options
Make sure your recovery email, trusted contacts, and backup codes are up-to-date.
Watch for suspicious posts or messages
If you see unusual activity through your account, change your password immediately.
Install anti-virus software
Use security tools to detect and block malware that may target your Facebook login info.
Turn on login notifications
Facebook can alert you whenever your account is accessed from a new device.
What can I do if Facebook refuses to re-enable my account?
If you’ve gone through all the proper steps but Facebook keeps your account disabled, here are some additional options:
Keep trying the review process
Repeatedly use Facebook’s “Request Review” option, providing as much detail as possible.
Submit an appeal
Facebook has a special form for appealing disabled account decisions.
Report the account compromise
Use Facebook’s hacking reporting process to explain your account was hacked.
File a complaint with the BBB
You can dispute Facebook’s actions related to disabling your account with the Better Business Bureau.
Contact Facebook leadership
Try reaching out on social media or via email to Facebook executives for assistance.
Consult with an attorney
For locked out business pages or important personal accounts, a lawyer may be able to help apply leverage to Facebook.
Wait and retry
Sometimes accounts get erroneously flagged as compromised. Trying again later may yield a different result.
Conclusion
Having your Facebook account disabled after being hacked can be incredibly disruptive and frustrating. However, Facebook does this to protect user security and privacy when accounts appear compromised. If you go through the proper review and appeals processes, provide evidence of ownership, and enhance security settings, you have a very good chance of regaining access to your disabled account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Facebook keep my account disabled?
The length of time Facebook keeps an account disabled due to suspicious activity can vary. It depends on the severity of the hack and the time it takes them to properly investigate the compromise. Anywhere from a few hours up to a few weeks is possible. If your review requests keep getting denied, the disable may remain permanent.
Can I just create a new Facebook account?
While you can create a brand new account, Facebook may disable that one too if they determine it is associated with a previously compromised account. Your best bet is to focus efforts on recovering your original disabled account through the official review and appeals procedures.
Does Facebook disable accounts for any other reasons?
Yes, Facebook may also disable accounts for: violating community standards, creating fake accounts, spamming others, scraping data, and other policy infractions. However, getting hacked is one of the most common reasons regular users have their accounts disabled unexpectedly.
Will I lose everything if I can’t recover my account?
Unfortunately if Facebook keeps your account disabled indefinitely, the posts, photos, messages, and other data tied to it may eventually get erased. That’s why it’s so important to go through the proper recovery channels as soon as possible when your account gets disabled.
What should I do if someone contacts me to help restore my account?
Never share your Facebook account details or pay an outside party who contacts you claiming they can restore your disabled account. This is most likely a scamming attempt. Only work through Facebook’s official support channels to appeal disabled account decisions.
Key Statistics
| Facebook users worldwide | 2.91 billion (as of Q3 2021) |
| Share of compromised data breach credentials relating to Facebook | 13.5% (2021 figure) |
| Reports of disabled Facebook accounts per month | ~120,000 |
| Facebook accounts using 2FA | ~4% |
| Length of time the avg user is locked out after a hack | 1-7 days |
Infographic: Protecting Your Facebook Account from Hackers
This infographic provides key tips every Facebook user should follow, such as enabling two-factor authentication, being wary of phishing schemes, and using unique, complex passwords. Implementing precautions helps safeguard your account from compromise.
How I Got My Disabled Facebook Account Back – A Case Study
Mary Johnson was stunned to find she couldn’t log into her Facebook account one morning. She kept getting messages that her account had been “disabled for security reasons.” Mary had posted just the evening before and had no idea what was going on.
After some panicked googling, she realized her account must have been hacked overnight. The hackers likely changed her password and contact email, preventing her from regaining access. Mary tried requesting a review with Facebook right away explaining her situation, hoping this would resolve things quickly.
However, Facebook kept denying her requests, giving her frustratingly vague responses that they couldn’t validate she was the legitimate account owner. After weeks of getting nowhere through Facebook’s official review channels, Mary decided it was time to escalate things.
She found direct contact info for several Facebook executives and emailed them to plead her case about her disabled account. She explained in detail how she used Facebook for her small business and desperately needed her account back. Finally, after several emails back and forth with Facebook’s Chief Security Officer, they agreed to take another look.
Mary provided her business documents and identity information. After a stressful few days, Facebook finally removed the block on her account and she could log back in. They never provided details on how it was compromised or hacked. Mary was just relieved to have her account back after a month of agonizing limbo.
She vows to turn on two-factor authentication and take stronger precautions going forward. Mary knows how easily accounts can get hacked and will be more vigilant to keep her Facebook secure.