A hacker can make use of a breached Facebook account in many ways. If you have automatic login set up through Facebook, hackers can gain access to many different site accounts using your profile if they take over your Facebook. Spammers have also been known to get into Facebook accounts and gain access to people you’re following. Then there’s the breach of your personal security, including personal information that can be used to steal your identity.
Here’s a simple way to check if you’ve been hacked.
If you’re worried someone else has access to your Facebook account, try this:
Log in to Facebook and click on the small arrow in the upper right-hand corner of the page. In the drop-down menu, select Settings > Security > Where You’re Logged In.
This will reveal the locations of all the devices where you are currently logged in. If there’s a login in a location you don’t recognise, either you left your Facebook logged in there by accident, or you might have been hacked. You can then select the End Activity option, which will automatically end the session. The hacker will be logged out, but only temporarily. You should then change your password straightaway.
Finally, make contact with Facebook to let it know of the breach. Go to the Facebook help page, click on ‘I think my account was hacked or someone is using it without my permission’, and then click on ‘secure your account’. Then follow Facebook’s instructions.
Related articles:
How to stop Facebook snooping around
Disable Facebook’s video auto-play
Five tips to protect online privacy
