Hacked on Social Media? Here’s What to Do Next
Spambots, data thieves, and other bad actors run rampant online — more so now than ever before. Here's what to do if one gets ahold of you.
prativad 
With rising cyber threats, your Instagram, X, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Rumble, Twitch, or other accounts are more vulnerable than ever. Don’t assume it won’t happen to you—hackers are always looking for easy targets. If your account gets compromised, follow these steps to regain control.
Step 1: Log Out from All Devices
Hackers might be using your active sessions to post spam or steal data. Log out of your account from all devices. You can find a list of logged-in devices under your account settings (e.g., on Facebook: Profile Picture > Settings & Privacy > Activity Log > Where You’re Logged In). This forces unauthorized users to re-enter passwords, locking many out immediately.
Step 2: Change Your Password
Reset your password using a strong combination of at least 12 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. If possible, use a password manager to generate and store a secure password.
Step 3: Report the Hack
Most social platforms offer dedicated pages to report hacked accounts. Visit their official support sections to flag unauthorized activity. For example:
- Facebook: Hacked Account Page
- Instagram: Help Center
- X (Twitter): Support Page
Step 4: Check for Unauthorized Changes
Hackers may have altered your email, phone number, or linked accounts. Review your account settings for any unfamiliar modifications. Restore settings if needed to ensure complete security.
Step 5: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Activate 2FA for extra security. Avoid SMS-based codes when possible—authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy provide better protection.
⚠ Note: X (Twitter) only offers SMS-based 2FA for paid Premium users ($8/month).
Bonus Tip: Beware of Scams
If your account is locked or suspended, contact the official support team directly. Do not search for support numbers on Google, as scammers often create fake helplines to steal your information.
By taking these steps, you can secure your social media accounts and prevent future hacks. Stay safe online! ????
