How to Secure Your Facebook Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facebook is a popular social media platform that allows you to connect with friends and family from all over the world. However, its popularity also makes it a target for hackers. If you’re not careful, your Facebook account could be hacked, which could lead to identity theft, financial loss, or even worse.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your Facebook account from hackers:

• Use a strong password and don’t share it with anyone. Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable two-factor authentication. This will add an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.

• Be careful about what links you click on. Hackers often send phishing emails that contain links that, when clicked, will install malware on your computer or take you to a fake website that looks like Facebook.
• Keep your software up to date. Facebook is constantly releasing security updates, so it’s important to keep your software up to date to protect yourself from the latest threats.

By following these tips, you can help keep your Facebook account safe from hackers.

Keep Your Facebook Account Safe: Protect Yourself from Hackers

1. Use a Strong and Unique Password

A strong and unique password is the foundation of account security. It should be a mix of alphabetical, numerical, upper/lower case, and special characters. Avoid using common keywords or phrases that relate to you, such as your birthday or address.

You can test the strength of your password using an online password strength tester. We recommend Password Monster, as it is simple and easy to use. Simply type in your password, and you will be given an estimate of how long it would take for someone to crack it.

A strong password is just one part of account security. You should also enable two-factor authentication and be careful about what links you click on. By following these tips, you can help keep your accounts safe.

Ideally, you should change your password at least once every three months.

→ Try Password Monster

2. Enable 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your Facebook account. When you log in to Facebook, you’ll be asked to enter your password and a code that’s sent to your phone. This code changes every few seconds, so even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to log in without your phone.

Facebook lets you choose between three 2FA methods:

• Text message (SMS): You’ll receive a text message with a code every time you log in.
• Authenticator app: You’ll download an app like Google Authenticator or Authy and scan a QR code to generate codes.
• Security key: You’ll plug a physical security key into your computer or phone when you log in.

2FA is a great way to protect your Facebook account from hackers. If you haven’t already enabled it, I recommend doing so today.

• Login codes from third-party authentication apps
• SMS codes sent to your registered number
• Secure access via already logged-in devices

Here’s how you can turn on 2FA.

1. Open Facebook and head to the Accounts center.
2. Click Password and security.
3. Select Two-factor authentication.
   
4. Click on your Facebook profile.
5. Re-enter your password and click Submit.
6. Customize your 2FA.
   

3. Enable Login Alerts

Login alerts are notifications that are sent to you via Facebook or email whenever your account is logged into a new device. This is a good security measure to have in place, as it can help you to quickly take action if your account is being used by someone else.

1. Open Facebook and head to the Accounts center.
2. Click Password and security.
3. Select Login alerts.
4. Click your Facebook account.
5. Toggle In-app notifications and/or email to turn on login alerts.
   

4. Strengthen Account Privacy

Keeping your Facebook account private from strangers is one of the best ways to avoid getting hacked. The good news is that Facebook’s Privacy Checkup feature makes it easy to keep everything in good shape. To access the feature.

1. Open Facebook and click your profile picture.
2. Click Settings and privacy.
3. Select Privacy checkup.
   

Follow through with the checkup; it will take you through various options to keep your account private.

5. Avoid Suspicious Links – Phishing scams and malware

When you receive a link in a mail or Messenger message, it’s important to be careful before clicking on it. Some links can contain phishing scams or malware that can expose your login details to hackers.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before opening any links:

• Avoid shortened links. Shortened links, such as those that start with “bit.ly” or “ow.ly,” can be difficult to track and can often lead to malicious websites.
• Check the sender’s email address. The sender’s email address should be from a legitimate source, such as Facebook. If the email address is from an unknown sender or has typos or symbols that don’t look right, it’s best to avoid clicking on the link.
• Think before you click. If you’re not sure whether a link is safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not click on it.

If you do accidentally click on a link that you think might be malicious, you should log out of your Facebook account immediately and change your password. You should also scan your computer for malware.

Here are some additional tips for staying safe from phishing scams and malware:

• Use a strong password for your Facebook account.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Be careful about what information you share online.
• Keep your software up to date.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your Facebook account from phishing scams and malware.

6. Always Log Out of Devices you Don’t Own

avoid using your Facebook on public devices. It’s a big security risk, so unless it’s super necessary, steer clear. And if you do end up using it on a public device, always log out when you’re done. But hey, good news! You can actually log out remotely using your main device. Here’s how. Stay safe out there!

1. Open Facebook and head to the Accounts center.
2. Click Password and security.
3. Select Where you’re logged in.
   
4. Click your Facebook account and review the devices you’re logged into.
5. Select any suspicious login activity and click log out.
   

7. Keep Your Software and Hardware Updated

Last but not least, you should always ensure that all of your hardware and software are up to date. This includes your phone and computer OS, Facebook app, and security software on all your devices.

Updates aren’t just there to add new features. They’re also used to patch out any security flaws within the system. Most of your systems get updated automatically, but your device will ask permission for the update first if they don’t.

How to Recover Your Hacked Facebook Account

Knowing that all hope isn’t lost in worst-case scenarios is good. Facebook will let you recover your account in cases when it gets accessed by other people.

1. Open the Facebook Account Recovery page.
2. Use your phone number or account name to look for your account.
3. Follow the instructions provided to begin account recovery.

Make sure to change your password immediately once you’ve recovered your account to prevent any problems in the future.

Prevention is the Best Security

Although Facebook gives you access to account recovery tools, increasing your account security is way better so that hacks don’t have to happen. Your Facebook might include most of your private information, so losing it to hackers can compromise your physical security too. With these tips above, you’ll be increasing your account security heavily.

If you’re done with Facebook and want to clean your digital footprint, here’s how to delete your Facebook account.

1. Can I recover my Facebook account if it gets hacked?

You can contact Facebook support to recover your hacked account.

2. Can you recover your Facebook account if the email is changed?

Yes, you can. Facebook will send a link to the previous email used for the account. You can use this link to reverse the change and recover your account.

3. How to keep your Facebook account safe?

To keep your Facebook account safe, enable two-factor authentication and don’t click on any phishing links.