Most of us use Facebook for business, personal, and other needs. Even if you aren’t obsessed with updating your feed every day, your account contains the private information you need to protect. As a result, all Facebook users must understand that their cybersecurity is a priority and know the main signs of hacked accounts.
Can You Tell if Someone is Trying to Hack Your Facebook Account?
Yes, cybercriminals don’t sit and stare while social media users share their photos, files, information, and other precious data. The hackers can hack Facebook account anytime and anywhere so you must track possible issues.
Long story short, if a person suspects whether my Facebook account hacked then he or she must seriously check it. There are tips on how can I tell if my Facebook account has been hacked you may try. Because if you understand how to tell if Facebook hacked you can get on top of a potential threat. This is the first step to protect your account and take back control over it by using a guide on how to fix hacked account in the next stages.
So let’s analyze the main signs the Facebook account was hacked:
- you are unable to access your personal account on Facebook using the right username (email address or phone number) and password;
- you have access to your account but you notice that it is filled with messages in DM or Messenger and content in your profile you didn’t post;
- you received an email that explains to you how to change your password while you haven’t requested it;
- you received an email that informs you someone has logged in to your Facebook account while you don’t log from a new device;
- you see unknown users and devices logged into your account in the list at the privacy setting page.
Pay attention to the last sign in the list above. The Facebook privacy setting page is very informative. It reveals who, where, when, and how the exact user is connected to your profile. You may even see which device and browser a cybercriminal uses. Experts recommend checking this page time after time even if you see no signs of hacking your Facebook account.
As you can see, cybercriminals may access your personal data more or less easier. Do you know what happens if your Facebook account is hacked? Well, you will lose control over your page. All other consequences depend on the plans and desires of hackers.
For instance, if a cybercriminal does attacks for fun then you will face the only embarrassment of an unknown level. But if you are a real target for hackers then you may lose your money, official documents, reputation, friends, etc. Anyway, don’t risk your life and do your best to protect your Facebook account.
Urgent Guidelines for Hacked Accounts
If you suspect you are in danger then you need to take measures as fast as possible. Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can help yourself immediately.
Step #1. Check your account
There is a good chance that you are mistaken and your Facebook account is safe. Maybe you have used the wrong password several times or your kid posted a picture without your permission. You can change a password as an extra save step but have no reason to worry about your personal information.
Step #2. Confirm you are hacked
If your fears aren’t groundless then you need to confirm you are hacked. How to prove Facebook was hacked: try to log in to your account, check your profile photo, pay attention to the list of your friends, ask your friends if they have gotten suspicious messages from you. And finally, if you have received an email from a hacker then you are obviously hacked…
Step #3. Report Facebook
In such a situation hurry up to report Facebook about your issue. The system will request you to type the email or phone number you have used to create your Facebook account. be ready to answer additional questions to help support agents recover access to your page.
Step #4. Change your passwords
First of all, you must change your Facebook password. You can do it from a computer or a mobile device by opening the settings. Then make sure you have finished all open sessions. If you used a standard password for all other platforms, then make sure you change them too.
Step #5. Check all permissions
Because we are using many mobile applications and don’t control their activities you can face treats you don’t expect. That’s why make a double-check of all permissions on your devices. If any suspicious software has access to your personal information then delete it immediately.
Step #6. Turn on two-factor authentication
This is a very powerful method that makes your security tend to zero. It means that every time someone logs into your account you’ll get a message on your phone to confirm that it is you trying to access your account. So it’s better to turn on this option in Facebook settings.
Step #7. Talk to other people
Contact your friends, relatives, colleagues, and so on. Share your story with them and the guide on how to protect your Facebook account. You may find out if hackers were trying to contact them and prevent your closest people from being in such an awful situation.
You should stay safe and control your Facebook account. Don’t let cyber criminals attack you or people you care about.
