Introduction
Facebook is one of the most popular social networking sites globally, connecting millions of users worldwide. Unfortunately, cybercriminals also target Facebook accounts regularly, using various methods to gain unauthorized access. If it happens to you, it is vital to recover your hacked Facebook account as quickly as possible. This article is a comprehensive guide that outlines the steps you can take to recover your account.
Recognize if Your Facebook Account Has Been Hacked
It is not always easy to recognize if your Facebook account has been hacked, but some signs suggest it. Here are some tips to help you identify if your account has been hacked or facebook account hacked recovery :
- You are unable to log in
- You notice unfamiliar activities on your Facebook account, such as new friends, posts, or messages sent by your account without your knowledge
- You are unable to reset your password
- Your email address or phone number have been changed without your permission
Steps to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account
If you have identified that your Facebook account has been hacked, follow these steps to regain control:
Step 1: Report Your Hacked Facebook Account to Facebook
The first step to recover your hacked Facebook account is to report it to Facebook. To do this, follow these steps:
Go to the Facebook page for reporting a hacked account, https://www.facebook.com/hacked
Click "My account is compromised" and follow the account recovery process
Enter your email address or phone number associated with your account, your username, or the name on your account to search for it
Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and recover your account
Step 2: Change Your Facebook Password
After reporting your hacked account to Facebook, the next step is to change your password. Follow these steps to change your password:
Go to the Facebook "Settings & Privacy" menu
Select "Settings"
Click "Security and Login"
Find the "Change Password" option and click on it
Enter your current password, then your new password twice
Click "Save Changes"
Step 3: Review Your Facebook Privacy Settings
It is essential to review your Facebook privacy settings after your account has been hacked to ensure that your information is secure. Follow these steps to review your Facebook privacy settings:
Go to the Facebook "Settings & Privacy" menu
Select "Settings"
Click "Privacy"
Review your Privacy settings and ensure that your account is visible to the people you want and that you're signed out of any locations you're no longer using
Step 4: Check Your Facebook Applications
Hackers can also access your Facebook account through third-party applications, so it is essential to check if there are any unauthorized applications connected to your account. Follow these steps to check your Facebook applications:
Go to the Facebook "Settings & Privacy" menu
Select "Settings"
Click "Apps and Websites"
Review the apps and websites connected to your Facebook account and remove any unauthorized or suspicious ones
Step 5: Secure Your Email and Phone Number
Once hackers gain access to your Facebook account, they will likely change your email and phone number to prevent you from recovering it. Therefore, it is essential to secure your email and phone number and ensure that they are visible only to you. Follow these steps to secure your email and phone number:
Go to the Facebook "Settings & Privacy" menu
Select "Settings"
Click "Security and Login"
Review the sections under "Login and Logout" and "Setting Up Extra Security" to ensure that only you can log in to your account and set up other security settings, such as two-factor authentication
Prevent Future Hacking Attempts
Once you have regained control of your hacked Facebook account, take steps to prevent future hacking attempts, such as:
- Creating a strong password and changing it regularly
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Never share your login information with others
- Be aware of phishing scams and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources
Conclusion
Recovering a hacked Facebook account is an unpleasant experience, but following these steps can help you regain control of your account and prevent future hacking attempts. Remember to report your hacked account to Facebook, change your password, review your privacy settings, check your Facebook applications, and secure your email and phone number. By taking these steps, you can protect your account and minimize the risk of future hacking attempts.