What to Do If Your Facebook or Instagram Account is Hacked: A Step-by-Step Guide
In today's digital world, security breaches have unfortunately become quite common, with Instagram and Facebook being frequently targeted. Here at L.A. Social Karma, we receive emails from scammers impersonating Meta almost daily. These emails look good and usually have alarming news like your ad account has been disabled or you will lose access to your Instagram account if you do not take action. The first thing you want to do is check the email address from which the email has been sent, not the name on the email but the actual email address. Second, never click on links directly from the email; login to your account from your mobile app or desktop, and you will receive a notification or a pop-up if there is an issue. Also, be wary of messages in direct messages; do not click on any links. This blog will outline a few steps to secure your account if you have been hacked.
Instagram Account Hacked
Let me start by saying if your Instagram account has been hacked and the username and password have been changed, the following steps will not work.
Check Your Email: Usually, when there's a change in account details, Instagram sends a notification email from this email account: security@mail.instagram.com This email will state that your email or password was changed. If you find such an email and did not make these changes, it's a sign you’ve been hacked. Follow the instructions on this email. If you have been hacked, search your email that is associated with the Instagram account for security@mail.instagram.com
Attempt to Log In: Before jumping to conclusions, ensure you've been hacked and not just experiencing a glitch. Try logging in. If you're unable to and suspect foul play, move to the next steps.
Report to Instagram
If you're locked out:
Go to the Instagram login page.
Click on "Trouble logging in?"
Follow the prompts for a hacked account.https://www.instagram.com/hacked/
This process allows you to inform Instagram about unauthorized access and begin the recovery process. If the hacker has changed your user name and email address or disabled the account, this will not work.
If you can log into your Instagram account after being hacked, follow these steps:
Change Your Password: If you can still access your account, change your password immediately:
Go to your profile and tap on the three lines.
Tap on 'Settings' > 'Security' > 'Password'.
Enter the required details to change your password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if someone has your password, they'll need a secondary verification code to access your account.
Go to your profile and tap the three lines.
Tap 'Settings' > 'Security' > 'Two-Factor Authentication'.
Follow the instructions.
Review Account Activity: Inspect your account for any unfamiliar activity. Check if any unfamiliar posts, comments, or direct messages have been sent from your account. Check your 'Account data' for any unusual logins.
Remove Unfamiliar or Unwanted Third-party Apps. Sometimes, third-party apps with account access can be the weak link. Review these apps and remove any you don't recognize or no longer need:
Go to 'Settings' > 'Security' > 'Apps and Websites'.
Review the list and remove any unwanted apps.
Inform Your Followers: Once you've secured your account, consider informing your followers about the breach. This is especially important if any unusual posts or messages were sent from your account. It maintains transparency and helps others stay vigilant.
Regularly Update Your Password: As a best practice, regularly update your Instagram password. Opt for strong, unique passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
Facebook Business Account Hacked?
If you think your Facebook business page has been hacked, it means your personal page or one of your admins has been hacked. The first step is to see if any other admins can access the page; if they do, they can add you back. Everyone was likely removed from the page if you’ve been hacked.
Your account may have been hacked if you notice the following:
Your email or password has been changed
Your name or birthday has been changed
Friend requests have been sent to people you don’t know
Messages have been sent that you didn’t write
Post have been made that you didn’t create
If you review the above and find that you have been hacked, visit https://www.facebook.com/hacked and follow the directions to secure your profile. You can also file a report https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/1280439701975125. Facebook will only take action on your report if they can confirm that the person was hacked.
Being hacked is distressing, but taking prompt action can mitigate the damage. Regularly review your security settings, be cautious about the third-party apps you grant access to, and always stay updated with Instagram's security guidelines. Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and being proactive is the best defense.
