Have you ever been hacked on Facebook? Well, you are not alone. Around 25% of Facebook account has been hacked, and the account holder has no idea that they have been hacked. Facebook is the most popular social media platform in today's era. Facebook reaches nearly 3 billion monthly users, 37% of the global population. Facebook has around 800 million monthly users than YouTube, the second most popular platform.

Being popular, Facebook has become the hub of cybercriminals. There are so many reasons why a Facebook account gets hacked.

So, you need to secure your Facebook account for online privacy. In this article, we will look into some signs of the account being hacked, securing your account, and how to avoid getting hacked.

What are the signs that a Facebook account has been hacked?

Let us look into some signs that someone has hacked your Facebook account:

• You may find strange posts on your Facebook timeline.

• You may see that your details have been changed, like username, birthday, or email ID.

• You may find friend requests sent to people that you don't even know.

• You may find that your password has been changed.

• You may also find an increased amount of suspicious and spam links.

• You may also receive complaints from your friends, family, and peers about strange messages or posts received from your account.

How to confirm that a Facebook account has been hacked?

After suspecting that your account has been hacked, you can easily confirm by clicking Settings and Privacy.

Click on 'Setting'.

Then select 'Password and Security' and click on subsection 'Password and Security'.

You can see the option 'Device Logins'. Make sure that all active portals are associated with you.

How can one secure their Facebook account from hackers?

Let us look into some ways to secure your Facebook account from hackers.

1. Always log out

This is the common mistake user make, and their account gets hacked. Leaving your Facebook account logged in is extremely dangerous. It allows hackers to access your personal information easily. Most users don't know one thing about Facebook is that even after closing a session, it runs in the background. So, it is better to ensure your Facebook account is completely logged out.

2. Use secure browsing

You have to keep an eye on the browser with which you are accessing your Facebook account. It is advisable to separate your browser to be safe. For example, you can use Google Chrome to open Facebook or Instagram while using Firefox for other internet surfing needs.

3. Update your browser

Make sure you update your browser regularly. The reason is that the browsers are being upgraded regularly to fix any security loopholes that might lead to hacking. As you know, technology is evolving daily, and hackers are also advancing to find loopholes to get into your account.

4. Don't use weak passwords

One of the common mistakes Facebook users make when creating passwords is creating a simple one. To keep your account secure from external threats, it is important to create strong passwords that contain a mixture of letters, symbols, and numbers. The hackers will have a tough time hacking into your account. Also, avoid using numbers or names that are way easier to guess.

Consider using a password manager so you don't need to remember all the passwords.

5. Change your password more often

This practice is very important not just for your Facebook account but for all of your other accounts, too. You should update your passwords every five to six months to strengthen your security. If you find this practice time-consuming, use a password generator application from trusted sources.

6. Consider removing history

You may not be aware that Facebook can reveal all your past activities and sessions. This can be the best way through which hackers can easily get into your account and take your important data and information. You need to remove all your previous activities which you feel are important.

7. Two-way authentication

This may be a tedious technique, but it is one of the most incredible ways to secure your Facebook account. The authentication alert is directly sent to your device, which you use to log in to your account. You will receive a unique code, which you are supposed to enter after typing your password. This technique has proven helpful when someone is sneaking into your account.

8. Avoid clicking remember password on public devices

Public devices or public networks are really helpful when you are low on data. But you should not save your passwords while on these devices as you do not have control over them. Or else you can use incognito private windows, which can prevent anyone from tracking your session when you are done with surfing.

9. Don't click on Spam links

Facebook is a platform that provides lots of job opportunities and money promotions. If you click on any spam links provided by these types of posts, there is the possibility of getting hacked. You may end up on a fake website that may steal your privacy and damage your computer with a virus.

10. Monitor your security setups

To set up, click on settings on your profile and then go to privacy options. This will allow you to set up who you want to share your stuff with, such as friend requests, email IDs, and phone numbers. Also, make sure you log in using the Facebook.com URL.

11. Consider using an Antivirus app

There are many ways hackers get into your system. One such way is using harmful applications or software, which can get into your devices through pop-up advertisements. You should scan your device regularly to get rid of this type of malware, spyware, or adware to stay safer.

12. Add another email id

We talked about the two-way authentication technique. Another such technique is adding a secondary email address. You can get account recovery information if your Facebook account has been hacked.

How to avoid being hacked on Facebook?

You need to take action to prevent getting hacked on Facebook in the future. For that, you can follow these three different ways.

Password Protection

It is common to make mistakes when selecting a password for a Facebook account. The common mistake is that a user uses the same password for more than one online account. This led to the account getting hacked. So what we can do is follow the below-given ways to secure your Facebook password:

• Your password needs to be very easy for you to remember and long enough not to be cracked. For that, use numbers, symbols, and a mixture of upper and lower case letters.

• Another important thing is to store your password securely, where only you can access it. For that, you can use a password manager to store your password safely. You need to use a password encrypting app that is not built in.

• You should make a different password for every social media account. That means that if your Facebook account gets hacked, you don't want hackers to access your other social media accounts, right? For that, create a strong password that is just for Facebook.

• You need to change your password at least every six months. It makes it difficult for hackers to hack it. Consider this advice for every online or offline account password you have.

Privacy Settings

Facebook is aware of the problems of its users about the account hacking. For that, Facebook has provided some privacy options for users to protect their accounts from hacking. Let's look into some of the options:

• Facebook provides the two-factor authentication option, which gives an extra layer of protection for your account.

• You can set a login alert option to receive alerts when someone logs into your account. By this, you can quickly take action before it's too late.

• You can make your Facebook account private. By this, you can limit the personal information.

Human Error

It doesn't matter how much protection you have made for your account if you let a hacker use social engineering against you. Let's look into some ways to ensure that you do not get tricked into giving your account password:

• Make sure you do not accept random friend requests. This is the typical way hackers get your information. They do this by creating fake accounts and trying to befriend you. So, only accept friend requests from the people you know.

• Do not use public computers to log in to your Facebook account. You are not aware of the people who next use the same computer. If you want to use it urgently, log out from the Facebook account before you leave.

• If you find anyone suspicious, instantly block them. It is better to be safe than to get your account stolen.

FAQs

Q. What should I do if I suspect my Facebook account has been hacked?

If you suspect your Facebook account has been hacked, first change your password immediately and log out of all devices. Then, follow Facebook's security settings to review your account activity and secure it.

Q. How can two-factor authentication enhance Facebook account security?

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code to be sent to your device after entering your password. It significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Q. What are common mistakes to avoid in securing a Facebook account?

Common mistakes include:

• Using the same password for multiple accounts.

• Accepting friend requests from strangers.

• Logging in from public computers.

Avoiding these practices can enhance security.

Q. How often should I update my Facebook password?

It's recommended to update your Facebook password every six months. Regularly changing passwords adds a layer of security and minimizes the risk of hacking.

Q. What privacy settings should I adjust to protect my Facebook account?

You can set your account to private, enable two-factor authentication, and activate login alerts to enhance privacy and security on your Facebook account.

Keep yourself protected from the hackers

Digital security is an essential element these days. Without this, it can reveal your data, job, and reputation to hackers. It is better to be informed about the latest technology and news to safeguard yourself from getting hacked. In this article, you have learned to recognize the threats, recover your accounts, and avoid a similar situation in the future. By implementing the tips outlined in this article, you can confidently navigate in the dynamic digital world. Your digital security lies in your hands, and it is time for you to take action.