My Facebook Account is Hacked & Email Changed! What to Do?

What do I do if I’ve been hacked on Facebook

If you are reading this blog, it’s most likely because you’ve noticed suspicious activity regarding your Facebook account, and you are wondering, ‘What do I do next?’

With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook (also known as the moniker “FB”), has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and the wider world. As well as a user’s own profile page, there are groups to join, pages to look at, and friends’ profiles to comment on - making Facebook scrolling an addictive pastime. However, due to its immense popularity, this leading social media platform has also become a prime target for hackers and cybercriminals looking to exploit personal information, enact scams, and generally wreak havoc on our digital lives.

It can be very distressing to discover that your Facebook account has been hacked, and your data violated, but taking swift action and increasing awareness can help you regain control and protect your privacy. This blog post will explore what to do if your Facebook account was hacked and password changed: How to manage a hacked Facebook account recovery, how to report a compromised Facebook account, and what to do to prevent FB hacks from happening in the first place.

Facebook.com hacked

Besides personal account takeovers and other account hacks, Facebook itself has experienced several significant security incidents and data breaches over the years. Some notable instances include:

• 2007 - 2008: Facebook suffers from multiple spam attacks and phishing scams targeting users.>data breach

• 2010 - 2011: "Koobface" worm spreads through Facebook, tricking users into downloading malware.

• 2013 - 2014: Facebook faces various technical issues, including a data breach that involved the exposure of users' private information through a bug, and the leak of millions of Facebook users' phone numbers and email addresses.

• 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal: A political consulting firm improperly obtained and exploited data from tens of millions of Facebook profiles for political advertising purposes, without users' consent.

Facebook account hacked and locked: How to recognize the signs

Recognizing the signs of potential compromise is the first step in safeguarding your Facebook account. Some common indicators that your Facebook account has been hacked and password changed include:

• Unauthorized login attempts: If you receive notifications about login attempts from unfamiliar devices or locations, your account may have been compromised.
• Suspicious activity: Unfamiliar posts, messages, or friend requests appearing on your timeline can be a sign of unauthorized access.
• Missing or altered personal data: Hackers may change your profile information or delete content, affecting your online identity.

Facebook password hacked

If you notice that your password or recovery information has been altered without your knowledge, this is also a cause for concern. It’s time to do some damage control: If you can still access your account, change your password immediately! Use a strong and unique password that includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s also often recommended to make your password between 8-14 characters in length.

What do I do if I’ve been hacked on Facebook?

If you find yourself asking the question, “What do I do if I’ve been hacked on Facebook?” it's crucial to act swiftly. Follow the steps below as soon as possible, in order to minimize the potential damage:

1. Log out of all devices: If you still have access to your account, log out from all devices immediately. This can be done by going to "Settings & Privacy" > "Settings" > "Security and Login" > "Where You're Logged In." From there, you can log out of all sessions.
2. Secure your computer and devices: Run a security scan on your computer and other devices with a next-generation endpoint security system like RAV Endpoint Protection that can detect malware or viruses that could have contributed to the hack.
3. Warn your contacts: If the Facebook hacker sent suspicious messages or posts from your account, you need to let friends and contacts know that “someone hacked my Facebook” and your account has been compromised. They should be aware of any Facebook Messenger that they receive ostensibly from you, and it’s important that they do not click on any suspicious links or provide personal information.
4. Monitor account activity: Keep an eye on your account for any unusual activity, even after you’ve secured it. This will help you detect any further unauthorized access. Additionally, stay vigilant against any other scams or phishing attempts that may be targeted at you during this time.

Report Facebook account hacked

Facebook offers several security features to help you maintain the integrity of your account. As well as following the action items mentioned above, if you believe your Facebook account has been hacked you need to report the issue to Facebook as soon as possible. For hacked accounts, go to the Facebook Help Center and search for "Hacked and Fake Accounts." Follow the provided instructions to report compromised Facebook accounts.

Recovering a hacked Facebook account

Recovering a hacked Facebook account takes a little bit of time and patience, but if your Facebook account has been hacked, you can take immediate action to secure and recover it, and regain access. To recover a hacked Facebook account, follow the steps below:

• Change your password: If you can still access your account, change your password immediately. As mentioned earlier, make sure to choose a strong password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Forgot password: If you can't access your account, go to the Facebook login page and click on the "Forgot Password" link. Follow the prompts to reset your password. You may need to provide information like your email address, phone number, or security questions associated with your account
• Recover hacked Facebook account: If you are now locked out of your account or unable to reset your password because the hacker has changed your email address or phone number, use Facebook's account recovery options. Go to the Facebook login page, click on "Forgotten account?" and follow the prompts to regain access.
• Secure your email: If the email address associated with your Facebook account has also been compromised, recover your email account first. Most services, including Facebook, use your email for password recovery.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Once you regain access, enable two-factor authentication for your Facebook account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your mobile device in addition to your password.
• Review account activity: Check your recent account activity to see if there have been any unauthorized actions. Facebook provides a way to view active sessions and log out of them.
• Remove suspicious apps: Review the apps and services connected to your Facebook account, and remove any apps you don't recognize or trust.
• Contact Facebook support: If you're unable to recover your hacked Facebook account using the standard methods, you can contact Facebook's support for assistance. Use their Help Center or support channels to report the issue.

Preventing a “Facebook account hacked and locked” scenario

While recovering a hacked Facebook account is essential, it's equally crucial to take measures to prevent a Facebook account ‘hacked and locked’ scenario from occurring in the first place. You can safeguard your account from future attacks by taking the following preventative measures:

• Use strong passwords: Create unique and complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate.
• Keep your email account secure: As your Facebook account is often linked to your email, make sure your email account is well-protected with a strong password and two-factor authentication.
• Be wary of phishing attempts: Be cautious of suspicious links or emails claiming to be from Facebook. Avoid providing your login details on unfamiliar websites.
• Regularly review connected apps: Periodically check the apps and websites connected to your Facebook account, and remove any that you no longer use or trust.

Educate yourself and stay informed

While discovering that your Facebook account has been hacked can be a distressing time, taking swift action and staying informed about the latest security features and best practices can help you regain control and secure your profile.

Be cautious of suspicious links and emails, as hackers often use phishing tactics to gain access to your account. Familiarize yourself with Facebook's privacy settings and adjust them to suit your preferences. Learning to recognize the signs of a compromised account, changing your password, enabling two-factor authentication, and utilizing Facebook's security features are essential steps to secure your privacy and protect against online identity theft.

Lastly, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. By staying educated and vigilant, you can enjoy a safer and more secure experience on the world's largest social media platform.

For more information and advice on staying safe online, visit reasonlabs.com.