8 Ways To Protect Your Facebook Account From Hackers
Hundreds of thousands of accounts are hacked each day, and it can happen to you too. If you believe that only smaller accounts can be hacked, it’s sadly not true. Hackers target everyone, using a victim’s account to obtain sensitive information, and even potentially steal someone’s bank account. Nobody is safe! With that said, it is possible for you to avoid that happening to you. Hackers are the number one way people lose their account, and here, we’ll tell you how to protect your account so hackers stay away!
1. Have A Strong Password
The first (and most obvious) step is to have a strong password with complex characters and numbers. Although it’s easy to make it your birthday, and easier to think a hacker will never find it, they will. Don’t make it something that a hacker could easily guess. If you want maximum protection, have a long, complex password. Write it down on a piece of paper and store it in a safe location if you can’t remember it.
In addition, make each password unique for every site. For example, your Facebook password should not be the same as your Instagram password. You can use a password manager [NB1] [DS2] to keep every password under your belt. While mostly obvious, this simple step is key to protecting all of your accounts from hackers.
If you think you should change your password, follow these instructions.
2. Change It Often
In addition to having a strong password, you may want to change it every few months. Even if you feel like no one can guess your password, it is possible for the website to be hacked and your login information available. Think of it as account maintenance; just as your computer needs an update every few months, so does your password. Changing your password can reduce your chances of that happening.
3. Log Off Of Everything When You’re Done
If you’re in a location with a network that’s not secured, we highly recommend logging off after every use. In fact, you should even do it while you’re at home. While this can be a hassle, it’s to ensure good online hygiene. In many cases, you can leave your account out in the open, allowing a hacker to get to it with ease.
Follow these instructions to check where you're logged in.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Most websites nowadays have a multi-factor authentication option, also known as two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication is when you log in, you also need to confirm your login through your phone or email if the device is not recognized. Doing this can give you an extra layer of protection that keeps the hackers out.
Here your can Find instructions for activating 2FA.
5. Don’t Click On Any Suspicious Links
Sometimes, a spam or compromised account might send you a link out of the blue, usually unprovoked. Whatever you do, do not click on that link! This can be a phishing trick, which can be used to hack your account. Instead, report the account and avoid clicking anything they send to you.
Take a look at our Tips for a Secure Facebook Messaging!
6. Avoid Any Suspicious Emails
Another way a hacker might reach you is through email. Usually, a scam email is fairly easy to spot, such as the infamous Nigerian prince scam. However, some emails can look official, such as an email from Facebook claiming you need to log in through their email to confirm your account.
However, at a close glance, these emails can have typos, or use emails or links that are not official. Usually, they will threaten to close your account if you don’t log in. If you’re still unsure, contact the website through their forms to see if the email was genuine or not.
7. Update Consistently
While updating your computer and your apps can be a hassle, they’re necessary steps to ensure the safety of your accounts. Updates close any holes a hacker can use to gain access to your account. With your computer and your mobile device, you can make it so that everything updates automatically. For example, you can choose to update your devices at 3AM while you’re sleeping.
8. Use Protection
Finally, we should mention that there are many websites and apps you can use to give your account even more protection. Most notably, Spikerz allows you to protect your account from hackers, and we can give you the necessary tools to strengthen your account. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us.
The Takeaway
Everyone’s accounts are at risk. However, by taking some necessary steps, you can reduce your chances of it happening. Although these steps prove effective, it’s still possible for you to be the victim of a hacking, so always be vigilant. Update your account information and change your passwords. In addition, do research on the latest ways that hackers are trying to steal your information. When you are aware of hackers, you can keep your account as secure as possible.
