Why do hackers put on Facebook accounts and how to defend yourself when you fall in their victim?

It would seem that an ordinary Facebook account has no great value. That’s not true. Hackers can cleverly use them – they have access to your friends, messages, and often even banking data. The worst thing is that burglaries happen more and more often.

Why do hackers break into Facebook?

They don’t do it for fun. Your account is a tool for them to earn money. Most often they use them for:

• Extorting money by “on BLIK” method
• Sending fake links to friends
• Stealing private information and photos
• Selling various products by your profile
• Blackmailing you or your friends

Some hackers are taking over the commissioned accounts – For example, a former partner or a envious collaborator. Then the goal is mainly to harm your reputation.

How will you know that someone broke in?

The first signals are usually subtle. Friends mention the strange news they got from you. There are posts on your profile that you have not written. Sometimes it also happens that you try to log in and you can’t do it.

Also check the “Where you are logged in” section in the settings. If you see unknown devices or logging in from the other end of the country or abroad – you can be some burglary into your account.

What to do when you discover a burglary?

The first hours are key. If you still have access to your account:

• Change the password immediately. Not any “qwerty123”. A really strong password is a minimum of 15 characters, because each additional sign is increasingly extending the time needed to break the password.
• Log out all devices in the settings. It’s cut off the hacker from your account.
• Check the data in the profile – Hackers often add their phone number or email to be able to come back.
• Turn on two -stage verification. Thanks to this, even if someone knows the password, without code from your phone will not enter.

If you lost access to your account:

• Go on Facebook.com/hacked and report burglary.
• Use trusted contacts – if you set them up before, they can help you recover your account. Your trusted friends will receive codes that will then pass on to you, which will allow you to verify your identity.
• In some cases, Facebook may ask for a message scan or photo of a document confirming your identity – Keep in mind.

How to protect yourself for the future?

A strong password alone is not enough. You should:

• From time to time, browse active sessions
• Do not log in to public computers
• Watch out for suspicious links, even from friends
• Make copies of important messages and photos
• Do not use the same password on different accounts

What about the police?

If the burglary involves extortion of money or blackmail – report the case. The burglary is a crime under Article 267 of the Penal Code. Collect screenshots and evidence – they will be useful in the investigation. Also remember to warn your friends. Hackers often use their acquired account to attack more people. One post on the board can protect many from fraud.