What to Do if Facebook Is Hacked?

Oh no, your Facebook account has been hacked! You log in (or try to) and realize something’s off. Maybe you see weird posts you didn’t write, or friends are asking why you’re sending them sketchy messages. Worse, you could be locked out of Facebook entirely, watching helplessly as a Facebook hacker takes over your digital life.

But don’t panic! Whether you’re still in your account or completely unable to log into Facebook, this guide will walk you through Facebook account recovery step by step. From spotting the first signs of a breach to kicking out the intruder, resetting passwords, and securing your account like a digital fortress, we’ve got your back.

How to Know If You’ve Been Hacked on Facebook?

Before you sound the alarm, you need to be sure your Facebook account has been hacked. Here are some telltale signs:

• You can’t log in. If you’re suddenly unable to log into Facebook and your usual password doesn’t work, bad news—it might not be your account anymore.
• Weird messages or posts. Friends are asking why you sent them a “free iPhone” link or a cryptic message about cryptocurrency.
• Login alerts from unknown locations. If Facebook warns you about logins from faraway places, that’s a big red flag.
• Your email or password has changed. If you got a notification that your credentials were updated and you didn’t do it—yikes.
• New friends you don’t recognize. A hacker might be adding people to your account to spread scams or spam.

If any of these sound familiar, take action ASAP.

My Facebook Account Hacked—How to Recover It?

If you’re thinking, “My Facebook account hacked—how to recover?”, here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Facebook recovery page: Visit Facebook’s official recovery page and follow the prompts.
2. Follow the instructions: Enter your email or phone number and let Facebook guide you.
3. Check your email: If the hacker changed your credentials, look for a security email from Facebook allowing you to undo the changes.
4. Secure your account: Once you’re back in, move quickly to lock it down (more on this below).

If you’re locked out of Facebook entirely, try Facebook account recovery using your trusted contacts or previously logged-in devices.

How Do I Change My Facebook Password?

First things first, reset your password immediately. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings & Security: Click your profile picture > Settings & Privacy > Settings.
2. Find Security and Login: Under “Login,” click “Change Password.”
3. Enter a new, strong password: Make sure it’s unique and hard to guess (no “123456” nonsense).

If you can’t log in, try using the Facebook login issue recovery page.

How Do I Lock My Facebook Profile?

Want to add an extra layer of security? Lock your Facebook profile to prevent strangers (or hackers) from snooping.

1. Go to your profile.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Select “Lock Profile.”

This limits who can see your photos, posts, and friends list. It won’t stop hacking, but it makes you a less attractive target.

What to Do If Being Blackmailed on Facebook?

If the hacker is threatening you, don’t panic. Cybercriminals often use fear tactics to manipulate victims, but you have options to fight back. Here’s what to do:

• Don’t engage with them. The more you respond, the more leverage they believe they have. Instead, remain silent and take immediate action to secure your account.
• Report the blackmail to Facebook. Visit the hacker’s profile, click “Find Support or Report Profile,” and follow the steps. Facebook takes blackmail and extortion seriously and may intervene to remove the scammer.
• Contact local authorities. If the threats involve personal safety, financial demands, or explicit material, report it to law enforcement. Cyber blackmail is a crime in many jurisdictions.
• Gather evidence. Take screenshots of any threatening messages, emails, or posts related to the blackmail attempt. This documentation can be useful for both Facebook’s security team and law enforcement.
• Inform your friends. Hackers might impersonate you to scam your contacts. Warn your friends not to trust any unusual messages from your account.
• Check for malware. If you were tricked into clicking a link or downloading a file, scan your device with updated antivirus software to remove potential threats.
• Consider a digital security expert. If the blackmail is persistent or involves sensitive data, seek help from a cybersecurity professional to assess risks and further protect your digital presence.

Taking swift action can stop the hacker in their tracks and prevent further damage to your personal and digital security.

Did Facebook Get Hacked, or Was It Just You?

If multiple people are reporting issues, you might wonder, “Did Facebook get hacked?” While rare, Meta’s platform has had security incidents in the past, and even big tech companies are not immune to cyberattacks. Before assuming the worst, take a few investigative steps to determine whether it’s a widespread issue or just your account:

• Search online for recent Facebook security breaches. Look for articles from reputable sources discussing any major hacks or data leaks.
• Check for official Meta statements. Companies like Meta often release public notices about security breaches, providing updates on affected users and recommended actions.
• Ask friends if they’re experiencing issues too. If multiple people in your circle are locked out, seeing odd activity, or reporting security warnings, it may be a larger issue.
• Visit social media platforms like Twitter or Reddit. Users often discuss platform-wide problems in real-time, especially during a potential security crisis.
• Check your email for security alerts from Facebook. Sometimes, Facebook sends notifications if your account was accessed from an unusual location or device, which could indicate unauthorized activity.

If it’s a platform-wide breach, follow Meta’s instructions and change your password immediately. Additionally, consider updating your email and security questions to further protect your account. In some cases, Facebook might log all users out as a precaution, requiring a new login with enhanced verification. Stay informed and act swiftly to prevent any potential damage.

Check for Suspicious Devices

You can see which devices are logged into your account and remove any that look shady:

1. Go to Settings > Security and Login.
2. Check the “Where You’re Logged In” section.
3. Log out of any unknown devices.

How Do I Deactivate My Facebook Account (Temporarily)?

If you need a break while sorting out the mess, here’s how to deactivate your Facebook account:

1. Go to Settings & Privacy.
2. Click “Your Facebook Information.”
3. Select “Deactivation and Deletion.”
4. Choose “Deactivate Account” and follow the steps.

This won’t delete your data but will hide your profile temporarily.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Want to avoid getting hacked again? Set up 2FA:

1. Go to Settings > Security and Login.
2. Find “Two-Factor Authentication.”
3. Enable it using an authentication app or SMS.

This makes it WAY harder for hackers to get in, even if they steal your password.

Essential Cookies: Keep or Delete?

Facebook uses essential cookies to keep you logged in and secure. These cookies help ensure seamless login experiences, remember your preferences, and provide necessary security features to protect your account from unauthorized access. They also enable core functionality such as session management, fraud prevention, and performance optimization.

However, if you’re concerned about privacy, you have some control over your cookie settings. Head over to Settings > Privacy > Cookies, where you can tweak your preferences, manage third-party tracking, and even limit how much data Facebook collects about your browsing habits. While you can’t disable essential cookies entirely (since they’re required for the platform to function properly), adjusting other cookie settings can help enhance your privacy without disrupting your ability to use Facebook smoothly.

For additional protection, consider using a privacy-focused browser or browser extensions that block unnecessary tracking while still allowing essential cookies to operate.

Update Your Recovery Options

To make future Facebook account recovery easier, update your security settings:

• Add a backup email.
• Enable trusted contacts.
• Store your password securely in a manager.

Beware of Phishing Scams

Hackers often trick users into giving away their passwords. Stay alert:

• Never click suspicious links.
• Check sender emails carefully.
• Use official Facebook channels for support.

Report the Hack to Facebook

If all else fails, let Meta know by visiting Facebook’s Help Center and reporting the issue.

Consider a VPN for Extra Security

A VPN can add a layer of protection, keeping your data encrypted and preventing hackers from intercepting your login credentials. Mysterium VPN is an affordable service with loads of security (and other) features, you should check it out!

Hacking is scary, but with the right steps, you can recover your account and keep it safe in the future. Be proactive, update your security settings, and stay skeptical of weird messages.

And if you ever find yourself Googling, “My Facebook account hacked, how to recover?”—you already know what to do. Stay safe out there!