In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s no surprise that Facebook is the largest social network used by billions of people worldwide to connect with friends, family, and acquaintances. However, this also makes it a prime target for cybercriminals who may try to gain unauthorized access to your account. But don’t worry, even if you’re not a tech expert, there are simple steps you can take to protect your online presence. So, let’s dive in and see what you can do if your Facebook account has been hacked or hijacked.
Step 1: Change Your Password
The first step to take when you suspect that your Facebook account has been hacked or hijacked is to change your password. This will immediately prevent the hacker from accessing your account using your old password. Here’s how:
Log in to your Facebook account.
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on Security and Login.
Click on Edit next to Change Password.
Enter your current password and then enter a new password.
Click on Save Changes.
Step 2: Secure Your Account
Facebook offers several security features that can help you secure your account.
Here’s how:
Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a code sent to your phone or email to log in. Enabling it is a crucial step to take to secure your account. Here’s how to enable it:
Log in to your Facebook account.
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on Security and Login.
Under the “Two-Factor Authentication” section, click on “Use two-factor authentication.”
Choose the method of authentication you prefer – either by text message or authentication app. Follow the prompts to set up your two-factor authentication.
Revoke Access for Other Devices
If you suspect that your account has been hacked, it’s possible that the hacker has logged in to your account from another device. Here’s how to revoke access for other devices:
Log in to your Facebook account.
Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.
Click on Security and Login.
Under the “Where You’re Logged In” section, review the list of devices and locations where your account is currently logged in. If you see any devices or locations that you do not recognize, click on the three dots next to it and select “Log Out”.
Click on “Get alerts about unrecognized logins” and choose the option to receive alerts about unrecognized logins through email or Facebook notifications.
Step 3: Protect Your Device and Manage Devices for Businesses
To further protect your device from malware or other security threats, it’s important to have antivirus software installed. Antivirus software helps to detect and remove malware from your device. Additionally, if you are a business user, you should consider using Mobile Device Management (MDM) software to manage all devices that access your company’s data. MDM software can help you enforce security policies, remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices, and monitor the activity of devices that access your company’s data.
Step 4: Report the Incident to Facebook
Reporting the incident to Facebook is crucial, especially if you suspect that your account has been hacked. Here’s how:
Go to the Help Center.
Click on “Report a Login Issue.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to report the incident to Facebook.
Provide as much information as possible to help Facebook recover your account. This may include your full name and username associated with your account, the email address or phone number associated with your account.