As social media becomes increasingly popular, so do the risks associated with it. Hackers target social media accounts for a variety of reasons, from stealing personal information to spreading malware.
Facebook, being one of the most popular social networking platforms, is a prime target for hackers. In fact, it seems like hardly a week goes by without hearing about another high-profile hack. While there’s no surefire way to prevent your Facebook account from hacking, there are some steps you can take to make it more difficult for hackers and help protect your account if it does get hacked.
1. Use a Strong Password
This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s worth repeating: use a strong, unique password for your Facebook account. Hackers often use automated programs that try thousands of common passwords in an attempt to break into accounts. By using a strong password – one that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols – you make it much harder for hackers to break in.
You can also use Facebook’s Trusted Contacts feature to help you get back into your account if you ever can’t log in. With Trusted Contacts, you select a few friends who you trust to help you if you ever get locked out of your account.
2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that requires you to confirm your identity before you can log in. This usually involves receiving a code on your phone or another device that you then need to enter in addition to your password. Two-factor authentication makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts because they not only need your password but also need access to your phone or another device in order to log in.
If you’re not already using two-factor authentication, turn it on for all of your important accounts. It’s an extra step that will make it much harder for hackers to access your account if they do manage to get your password.
3. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
One of the best ways to protect your computer from hackers is to keep your software up to date. That includes both your operating system and any apps you have installed, such as your web browser, email client, and office suite. Whenever a software update is released, it usually includes patches for any security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. By keeping your software up to date, you can make sure that you have the latest security patches and are less likely to be hacked.
4. Use a Password Manager
A password manager is a program that helps you create and store strong passwords. It can also help you keep track of all your different passwords so that you don’t have to remember them all. This is important because if you use the same password at multiple sites, a hacker who manages to get your password at one site will then have access to all your other accounts as well. A password manager can help by generating strong passwords for you and storing them securely.
5. Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
One of the most important things you can do to keep your computer safe is to keep your software up to date. Hackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit security vulnerabilities in software, and if you’re not using the latest version of a program, you may be at risk.
Most software programs will automatically check for updates and install them when they’re available. But it’s a good idea to check for updates manually on a regular basis, just to be sure.
You can also set your software to install security updates automatically. For Android users, this can be done by going to Settings → Security → Automatic Updates. For iOS users, go to Settings → iTunes & App Store and toggle the “Updates” switch to “On.”
6. Be Careful About What You Share on Social Media
Hackers can use information you post on social media to exploit security vulnerabilities. For example, if you post that you’re going on vacation, a hacker could use that information to break into your home while you’re away.
If you must share personal information on social media, be sure to do so in a way that doesn’t give away too much information. For example, don’t post your full address or the names of your family members.
7. Be Wary of Links and Attachments
Hackers will often send malicious links or attachments to Facebook users in an attempt to infect their computers with malware. Don’t click on links or open attachments from people you don’t know, and be careful, even if it’s someone you know. If the link or attachment seems suspicious, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent your Facebook account from being hacked, following the tips above will make it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your Facebook account. If you do find that your account has been hacked, change your password and enable two-factor authentication right away.
