What to do when your Social Media has been Hacked

Social media hacked? Here’s what to do.

Hackers can break into your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information, like your username, password, bank details, or Social Security number. They might use this information for identity theft, spreading viruses, or scamming others. So, how can you tell if someone has hacked your account, and what should you do if it happens?

Here are some warning signs:

You receive a notification that your email or phone number has changed, or that your password was reset, but you didn’t do any of that.
You get a message saying that someone tried to, or did, log into your account, and it wasn't you.
You can't access your account.

If you can't log in, follow the recovery steps provided by the service.

If you see unexpected activity but can still log in, take these steps:

Change your password to something strong and unique, ideally 12 to 15 characters long, or use a passphrase made of several words. After changing your password, sign out of your account on all devices to kick anyone who is logged in out.
Secure your account further by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) if it's available. This adds an extra layer of security so that even if a hacker has your password, they can't access your account without another verification step, like a code sent to your phone or email.
Update your account recovery options. Double-check your recovery email and phone number to ensure they are correct, so you can regain access if you're locked out or if someone else tries to use your account.
Look for signs that someone might have accessed your account. Check for any email rules you didn't set up that could forward your messages to another address. Also, review your social media for messages that were sent or posted by someone else or for new friend requests from people you don’t know.

If you think someone has stolen your personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a customized recovery plan!