If you’re like the thousands of other people who have had their Facebook accounts hacked, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only do you feel violated, but you also feel helpless and vulnerable. Now that you know your account is no longer safe, you need to take steps to fix the problem and protect yourself going forward. Here’s what you need to do.
Change Your Password Immediately
The first step to take when your Facebook account is hacked is to change your password. This will prevent the hacker from accessing your account again. You should also make sure to choose a secure, unique password that is not easy to guess. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a password that is both complex and secure.
Scan Your Computer for Viruses and Malware
Once you have changed your password, you should scan your computer for viruses and malware. This will help you identify any malicious programs that might have been installed on your system by the hacker. Use an up-to-date anti-virus program to scan your computer and remove any malicious software. You should also take the time to update your computer’s operating system and web browser.
Check for Unauthorized Activity
Once your computer is clean, it’s time to check for any unauthorized activity on your Facebook account. Log into your account and review your recent activity. Look out for posts or messages that were not sent by you. If you find anything suspicious, delete it immediately. You should also check your profile picture, cover photo, and other personal information to make sure they have not been changed.
Secure Your Account
The next step is to take steps to secure your account. You can do this by enabling two-factor authentication. This will require you to enter a code sent to your phone or email address every time you log in. You can also set up login alerts to notify you whenever someone attempts to access your account from an unrecognized device or location.
Check Your Connected Apps
Hackers often gain access to accounts by exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party apps. Check the list of apps connected to your Facebook account and remove any that you do not recognize or use. Be sure to also change the passwords for any apps that you do keep.
Secure Your Other Accounts
Now that your Facebook account is secure, you need to take steps to secure your other online accounts. If you have used the same password on other accounts, be sure to change them as well. You should also consider using a password manager to create unique, strong passwords for each account.
Report the Attack to Facebook
Finally, you should report the attack to Facebook. This will help Facebook identify and address any security vulnerabilities that enabled the hacker to gain access to your account. When reporting the attack, be sure to include as much information as possible, such as the date, time, and type of attack.
Conclusion
Having your Facebook account hacked can be a frustrating and frightening experience, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly and effectively fix the problem and protect yourself going forward. Change your password, scan your computer for viruses, check for unauthorized activity, secure your account, check your connected apps, secure your other accounts, and report the attack to Facebook. Doing so will help you keep your account safe and secure.