HackerUp on Facebook Security (2016)

Your Account's Been Hacked

There are a number of signs that can indicate that your Facebook account has been hacked. For example, you may notice that your account has posted Status Updates that you didn’t write, or you might receive replies to Facebook messages you didn’t send.

You'll know for sure that your account has been hacked if you can't log in even though you're sure you've entered the correct password. This happens when the scammer who hacked your account changes your password. You can’t change it back because you no longer know what it is. Once they've gotten in, some scammers will even reset personal information and change your trusted contacts so you can’t verify your identity and regain control of the account.

Your Friend's account's been hacked

You may be the first one to notice that a Friend’s account has been hacked. You might see them online during a time that you know they are absolutely offline. For example, I have a friend who works nightshift at a factory making windows. Because I know that she never uses Facebook while she’s working, I also know that if she’s “on Facebook” during the nightshift, it’s not her.

You might also see a bizarre post from a Friend's account that doesn’t sound like something she would post. This is much easier to spot when you actually know your Friends. When you know your Friends offline, you usually know something about their interests, their beliefs, and their passions. If your mountain biker, surfing, vegan friend starts posting ads for discount fur coats on her Facebook page, you’ll know that her account has been hacked.

If you see strange updates, malicious links, or bizarre postings from a Friend’s account you should notify that person immediately. But don’t use Facebook to reach out to your Friend because anything going to their account might be going to the scammer instead. Your best option is to phone or text if it looks serious, since the scammer may also have control of their email account. On Facebook, Friends help keep Friends safe. Having Friends who watch each other’s accounts is like having a pack of watchdogs that you don’t have to take for walks.

Recovering a hacked account

The Facebook team is dedicated to helping you protect your account and has a well-defined process to follow if your account has been stolen. This process will help you shut down the scammer and recover your account.

If your account is compromised, go to http://www.facebook.com/hacked and ask Facebook to SECURE YOUR ACCOUNT.

As soon as you report that your account has been stolen, Facebook will lock your account. While you won't be able to use it, neither will the scammer. Follow Facebook’s instructions to unlock your account.

Facebook makes this pretty simple, so follow their instructions to reclaim your account.

After recovering your account

Once you have successfully reclaimed your account, immediately check through all your personal settings to see if any of them have been changed. For example, make sure your cell phone number is correct and that the Friends appearing on your list really are your friends. Once you have checked your personal information, make sure to go through the advanced security settings. Outside of Facebook, make sure that your computer’s anti-virus software and browser software is up to date.

A final question to ask yourself is, did the hacker also get into your computer or cell phone? You will need to reinstall your operating system software if you think your system or cell phone was compromised. At minimum you should immediately run anti-virus software. Be sure to protect all of your devices with anti-virus software (and don’t forget about your smart phone). Some companies such as AVG (freeavg.com) make a version available for free, so you don’t have any excuse for not having anti-virus software.