Digital Defense 101: How to Recover and Secure Your Hacked Social Media Account

Author: Steffie Bell

Today social media plays a central role in our lives. My extended family resides in various states across the country, which makes social media essential for us to maintain our connections. Without it, how else would my 27 cousins and all their parents get to witness my child’s first day of school or random beach day?

Whether it’s staying connected with friends and family, sharing our thoughts and experiences, or promoting our businesses, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become integral to our online presence. But what happens when the security of these accounts is compromised? The fear and frustration that come with a hacked social media account can be overwhelming, but fear not – in today’s blog post, we will guide you through the steps to recover and secure your hacked social media accounts.

1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly

The first and most crucial step when you suspect your social media account has been hacked is to remain calm. Panic can cloud your judgment, and quick, impulsive actions may exacerbate the situation. Take a deep breath and focus on resolving the issue efficiently.

2. Change Your Password Immediately

The first line of defense against a hacker is your password. Change it as soon as you can. Use a strong, unique password that includes a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common phrases.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. It usually involves receiving a code on your mobile device that you’ll need to enter along with your password to log in. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.

4. Check for Unauthorized Activity

Review your account activity for any suspicious actions. Look for unauthorized posts, messages, or changes to your account settings. If you see any, take note of them, as this information can be valuable when reporting the hack to the platform.

5. Report the Hack

Each social media platform has its own reporting process for hacked accounts. Find the relevant link or contact information for reporting a hacked account on the platform’s help or support pages. Provide as much information as possible, including any suspicious activity you’ve observed.

6. Scan for Malware

Your computer or mobile device may have malware that allowed the hacker to gain access to your account. Run a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software to ensure your device is clean.

7. Review Third-Party Apps and Permissions

Sometimes, hackers gain access to your accounts through third-party applications with overly broad permissions. Review the apps that have access to your social media accounts and revoke access for any that you don’t trust or recognize.

8. Inform Your Contacts

If your account sent spam or malicious messages to your contacts, let them know about the hack and advise them not to click on any suspicious links or download any files from your account.

9. Learn from the Experience

After recovering your account and securing it, take some time to reflect on the experience. Consider how the hack occurred and what steps you can take to prevent it from happening again. This may involve improving your online security practices and being more cautious with the information you share online.

10. Stay Vigilant

Cybersecurity threats are ever evolving, so it’s essential to stay vigilant. Regularly update your passwords, enable 2FA wherever possible, and keep an eye on your account activity for any signs of suspicious behavior.

Recovering and securing your hacked social media accounts requires a combination of quick action, responsible online practices, and patience. By following these steps, you can regain control of your accounts, protect your online presence, and reduce the risk of future hacks. Remember, online security is an ongoing process, so stay proactive in safeguarding your digital identity. Stay tuned into MSPAA as we continue to watch trends and learn how to navigate this. 

Unfortunately, some accounts are locked by hackers and recovery is extremely difficult, if this is you, it’s advised to consult with a cybersecurity expert.