How to recover hacked social media accounts?

• 06 Apr 2024

There are lots of ways to protect your personal information and data from scammers. But what happens if your email or online bank or social media account gets hacked? Losing access to a digital account can be stressful. Here are some quick steps to help you recover your email or social media account.

 

Update your security software

If you’re not sure how your account was hacked, you can use either the security software that comes with your computer, phone, or tablet or download software from a reputable, well-known security company. Then, run it to scan your device for malware. If the scan identifies suspicious software, delete it, and restart your computer. Then, follow the provider’s account recovery instructions.

 

Change your account password

If you’re able to log into your email or social media account, change your passwords ASAP. If you use similar passwords for other accounts, change them, too. Make sure you create strong passwords that will be hard to guess.

 

Sign out of all devices

When you sign out of all devices, anyone who’s logged in to your account on another device will get kicked out. If you can’t log in to change your password, check the advice your email provider or social network has available.

 

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)

 

 

Also known as two-step verification, turn on if it’s available on your accounts. With 2FA, you’ll have to enter your password and something else to log in. That could be a PIN or a one-time verification code you get by text or email or from an authenticator app.

 

Notify your contacts

Send your friends a quick email or text, or post something, to let them know about the hack. Tell them not to click on links in emails from you and to ignore pleas for help or money.

 

Signs that someone hacked your account

Hackers try to take over your accounts. Some might want to steal your personal information — like your usernames and passwords, bank account numbers. Others might want to spread malware or scam others.

 

You can’t log in to your account. You get a notification about a change to your username or password— but you didn’t make that change. You get a notification that someone logged into your account from a device you don’t recognize or a location you’re not at.

 

Your friends or family report getting emails or messages you didn’t send, sometimes with random links or fake pleas for help or money.

 

In conclusion, prioritizing privacy settings and implementing additional security measures are crucial to safeguarding personal information when using online platforms.

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