There are several ways hackers can exploit a breached Facebook account. Automatic log-ins through Facebook grant hackers access to various site accounts once they’ve taken over your Facebook. Spammers also target Facebook accounts to gain access to your followers. Additionally, a hacker can gather personal information from your profile, which may be used for identity theft.
How to Check If You’ve Been Hacked
If you’re concerned that your account has been compromised, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the arrow in the upper right-hand corner of your Facebook page and click on it.
- Select Settings from the menu.
- Choose Security and Login, then click Where You’re Logged In.
A list of all devices and locations where you’ve logged in will appear. If there’s a login you do not recognize, you may have been hacked. Click Not You? on the right side of the log for any unfamiliar entries.
What to Do When Your Facebook is Hacked
- Click Not You? to secure your Facebook account.
- Click Secure Account. Facebook will guide you through the steps of securing your account after conducting a diagnostic. Click Get Started.
Other Signs of a Hacked Account
- Changes to your name, birthday, email, or password.
- Friend requests sent to unknown individuals.
- Messages sent from your account that you didn’t write.
- Unrecognized posts on your timeline.
How to Keep Your Facebook Account Safe
Once secure, enhance your account’s safety:
- Go to Settings > Security and Login > Setting Up Extra Security.
- Login Alerts: Activate to receive notifications for account logins.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Enable for an additional security layer.
- Trusted Contacts: Add close friends or family who can assist if your account is hacked.
Note: Following these steps makes your account much more challenging for hackers to infiltrate and easier to recover if compromised.
Pro Tip: Use a password comprising random numbers, letters, and symbols for enhanced security.
