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If you suspect that your Facebook password has been compromised or your account has been hacked and violated, swift action is imperative. Facebook hackers can deprive you of your account and create turmoil for your friends and family. Protect your Facebook account now or reclaim it before it's too late.
Essential Steps to Take When Discovering Your Facebook Account has been Hacked.
Discovering if your Facebook account has fallen prey to hackers can be a puzzling task. Unveiling subtle signs becomes crucial when there are no conspicuous changes. As cyber intruders attempt to breach your Facebook fortress, they often leave behind subtle traces.
To identify potential unauthorized access, log in to your Facebook account. Click on the downward arrow at the top-left corner to unveil the menu. Navigate to Settings > Security and Login. A list of recently used devices will be displayed, along with their activity timestamps.
Click on See More to expand the list and review older sessions. Keep an eye out for other indicators signaling a potential hack on your account:
Wondering how to secure your Facebook account? Follow these steps to stay vigilant and ensure the safety of your online presence.
- Your personal data, including passwords, email accounts, or account names, may be altered by a third party.
- Friend requests and private messages are sent from your account without your knowledge.
- Your timeline contains posts that you did not add or authorize.
If you notice any suspicious activities during logins or observe one or more unusual signs, here's what you need to do.
2. What to do if your Facebook account is hacked?
2.1. Change your Facebook password
If a hacker refrains from altering your Facebook password, consider yourself fortunate. This is the opportune moment to update your password.
Navigate to Settings > Security and Login, scroll down to the Login section, and click on Change password. Enter your current password, set a robust new password (you can use a password manager like LastPass), and click Save Changes.
After changing your Facebook password, return to the Where You're Logged In section and log out of active sessions by clicking the ellipsis and selecting Log Out.
2.2. Resetting Your Facebook Password
If your Facebook account falls victim to hacking, and the intruder changes the password, leaving you locked out, act swiftly to regain access. Look for the 'Forgotten account?' or 'Forgotten password?' links on the login screen after entering an incorrect password.
This will enable you to recover your Facebook password through various methods. Firstly, locate your account by entering the email address used for Facebook registration or any additional email addresses you may have added, as well as your phone number.
If Facebook successfully locates your account, you can choose the option to reset your password.
Note: If the hacker alters your email address, you will receive a message at the original address. Find this notification as it contains a special link allowing you to reverse the changes and secure your account.
Consider specifying multiple backup email addresses. Remember to keep those accounts equally secure, at least by using strong and ideally unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
Click on the link labeled 'No longer have access to these?' and Facebook will inquire how they can contact you to verify your identity. This process may take some time. If you suspect that a hacker has accessed your account and misused it, switch to the third method.
2.3. Report a compromised account
If your account is not only hacked but also sending ads and spam to your friends, you need to report that the account has been compromised to Facebook by using Facebook.com/hacked/
What to do if your Facebook account gets hacked?
You can also employ this method if you lose access to your account due to some kind of cyber attack. Facebook will assist you in recovering your access rights.
2.4. Eliminate suspicious apps
Typically, it's not a random villain who hacks your Faceviij account. You might have granted access to a suspicious Facebook app, and it has taken over your account.
To eliminate suspicious apps, navigate to Settings > Apps and Websites. Scroll through the list of apps, click on Active, check the apps and active websites you want to remove, click on the Remove button, and confirm.
Alternatively, click on View and Edit to modify the app permissions. This includes options like the app's display capabilities, access to your personal information, and actions it can perform.
2.5. Damage Control
After completing the necessary steps to regain control of a hacked Facebook account and prevent further damage, inform your friends and family about what's happening.
This serves as a proactive step in case a hacker has misused your account. If you're currently unable to access your account, reach out to your friends on Facebook through other social networks, via email, or have a mutual friend notify them through Facebook.
3. Enhance Facebook Security and Privacy Settings
Once you've regained control, it's crucial to review your Facebook settings:
- In Settings > General, update contact information, add additional email addresses, or mobile numbers that you have access to.
