How To Change Facebook Password After Being Hacked

Waking up to the realization that your Facebook account has been hacked can be a heart-wrenching experience. The thought of your personal information, photos, and memories falling into the wrong hands can send shivers down your spine. However, it’s crucial to remain calm and take immediate action to regain control of your account. The first step towards securing your compromised account is changing your Facebook password. This simple yet effective measure will prevent the hacker from accessing your account and causing further damage.

To change your Facebook password after being hacked, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Facebook website and click on the “Forgot Password” link located below the login fields.
2. Enter your email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account, and click “Search.”
3. If your account has been compromised, you will be presented with options to reset your password. Choose the method that is most convenient for you, whether it’s via email, text message, or by answering security questions.
4. Once you have successfully reset your password, make sure to create a strong, unique password that is not easily guessable or compromised.
5. Additionally, consider enabling two-factor authentication for your Facebook account. This extra layer of security requires you to provide a code sent to your phone when logging in from an unrecognized device, making it much harder for hackers to access your account.

Identifying the Compromised Account

When you suspect that your Facebook account has been compromised, it’s crucial to take prompt action to protect your privacy and security. Here are some telltale signs that your account may have been hacked:

1. Unusual Activity in Your Activity Log:
Check your Facebook Activity Log for any suspicious or unauthorized activities. This could include messages, posts, or login attempts from unfamiliar devices or locations.

Activity	Indicators of Compromise
Messages	Messages to unknown recipients, spam content, or unsolicited messages from your account
Posts	New posts created without your knowledge, posts edited or deleted without your permission
Login Attempts	Login attempts from different countries or devices you don’t recognize

2. Changed Account Settings:
Review your account settings to see if there have been any unauthorized changes. These could include modifications to your profile information, email address, or password.

3. Unknown Friends or Groups:
Notice if there are new friends or groups associated with your account that you don’t recognize. These could have been added by the hacker to spam or extend their reach.

4. Phishing Emails or Messages:
Be wary of phishing emails or messages that attempt to trick you into revealing your password or other sensitive information. These may contain links to fake Facebook login pages or require you to update your settings.

Taking Immediate Action

Upon realizing a breach in your Facebook account, prompt action is crucial to mitigate further damage:

1. Change Your Password Immediately

Navigate to the “Settings & Privacy” section within your account settings. Locate the “Security and Login” option and select “Edit” next to “Change Password.” Enter a new, strong password that does not resemble any previously used credentials. It should be at least 12 characters long and contain a combination of lowercase, uppercase, numbers, and symbols.

2. Log Out of All Devices and Revoke Access for Compromised Apps

To prevent the hacker from accessing your account from other devices, click on “Security and Login” under “Settings & Privacy.” Scroll down to “Where You’re Logged In” and “Active Sessions” to view a list of all devices currently logged into your Facebook account. Choose “Log Out” for any unrecognized or suspicious devices.

Additionally, review the “Apps and Websites” section under “Settings & Privacy” and remove any untrusted or compromised applications that may have gained access to your account through third-party permissions.

Action	Reason
Change your password	Block hackers from further access
Log out of all devices	Prevent access from compromised devices
Revoke app permissions	Remove access for malicious apps

Resetting Your Password

Reclaiming control of your Facebook account after a hacking incident requires prompt and decisive action. Follow these steps to change your password and enhance the security of your account:

1. Click the “Forgot Password?” Link

Visit the Facebook login page and click on the “Forgot Password?” link located below the login button. This will initiate the password reset process.

2. Enter Your Email or Phone Number

Provide the email address or phone number associated with your Facebook account. Facebook will use this information to verify your identity and send you a password reset code.

3. Request a Password Reset Code

Using Email or SMS

Choose to receive a password reset code via email or text message by entering your preferred delivery method in the provided field. Click “Continue” to send the code to your chosen method.

Using Account Recovery Codes

If you have previously set up account recovery codes, you can retrieve them from a secure place. Enter the recovery codes in the designated field and click “Continue” to bypass the need for a password reset code.

Delivery Method	Instructions
Email	Check your inbox for an email from Facebook containing the password reset code.
SMS	Receive a text message containing the password reset code on your phone.
Recovery Codes	Retrieve previously generated recovery codes from a secure location and enter them in the designated field.

Using Security Question

If you have previously set up security questions for your account, you can answer them to reset your password. Click on the “Answer Security Questions” option and follow the prompts to recover your account.

Change Password Immediately

If you suspect your Facebook account has been hacked, changing your password is the first and most critical step to secure your account. Navigate to the “Settings” page, select “Security and Login,” and click “Change Password.” Enter a new, strong password that you haven’t used before and ensure it meets Facebook’s password complexity requirements.

Review Recent Activity

Check the “Recent Logins” section under “Security and Login” to view a history of recent logins, including their locations and devices used. If you notice any suspicious or unrecognized activity, report it to Facebook immediately and take further security measures.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a one-time code sent to your phone or email when logging in. To enable 2FA, select “Two-Factor Authentication” under “Security and Login.” Choose your preferred method (text message or authenticator app) and follow the prompts to set it up.

Enhancing Security Measures

Strong Password Best Practices:

Avoid common passwords, birthdates, or easily guessable information.
Use a combination of lowercase, uppercase, numbers, and symbols.
Create a unique password for each online account.

Limit Account Access:

Review the “Apps and Websites” section under “Security and Login” to revoke access to any third-party apps or websites that you no longer use.
Disable any suspicious or unauthorized apps to prevent them from accessing your account.

Regular Security Checkups:

Periodically visit the “Security and Login” page to review your account’s security settings, check for recent activity, and enable any additional security features as needed.

Trusted Devices:

Mark your trusted devices as such in the “Security and Login” page. This helps Facebook identify legitimate login attempts and prevent unauthorized access.

Password Strength	Criteria
Weak	< 12 characters, common words, no special characters
Fair	12-16 characters, some special characters, mixed case
Good	16-20 characters, variety of special characters, upper/lower case, numbers
Strong	20+ characters, complex combination of special characters, upper/lower case, numbers

Contacting Facebook Support

In case you’re unable to recover your password through the automated methods, you can reach out to Facebook’s support team for assistance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Go to the Facebook Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/
Click on the “Security and Login” option.
Select the “I can’t log in” issue.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fill out the recovery form.
Provide your email address or phone number associated with your account, along with your name and a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).

Please note that Facebook may request additional information to verify your identity. It’s crucial to provide accurate and up-to-date information to expedite the password recovery process.

Required Documents for Identity Verification:

Document Type	Acceptable Formats
Government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license)	Scanned copy or clear photo
Marriage certificate	Certified copy
Birth certificate	Certified copy
Utility bill	Recent bill showing your name and address
Bank statement	Recent statement showing your name and address

Once you submit the recovery form with the required documentation, Facebook will review your request and assist you in resetting your password. The review process may take some time, so be patient and follow up regularly if you don’t receive a response within a few days.

Reporting the Hacked Account

If you suspect your Facebook account has been compromised, take the following steps to report the breach and safeguard your information:

Visit the Facebook Security Center: Go to https://www.facebook.com/hacked and click on the “Report Compromised Account” button.
Fill Out the Form: Provide your name, email address associated with your Facebook account, and a brief description of the suspicious activity you’ve noticed.
Provide Supporting Evidence (Optional): If you have any evidence that supports your claim, such as screenshots of suspicious emails or messages, attach them to the form.
Review Your Options: After submitting the form, Facebook will review your report and provide you with options to recover your account or secure your data.
Change Your Password: Once you regain access to your account, immediately change your password to a strong and unique one that has not been used elsewhere.
Additional Security Measures: Consider enabling two-factor authentication, reviewing your privacy settings, and reporting any unauthorized activity you may encounter.

Additional Reporting Channels	Contact Information
Facebook Help Center	https://www.facebook.com/help
Facebook Trust and Safety Team	https://www.facebook.com/safety

Recovering Your Account

1. Check Your Login Activity

Log in to your Facebook account from a recognized device and go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login.

2. Review Active Sessions

Under Where You’re Logged In, review the list of active sessions. If you see any suspicious devices or locations, click See More and Log Out From All Devices.

3. Change Your Password

Click on Change Password under Security and Login. Enter your current password, followed by the new password you want to use.

4. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

To enhance security, enable Two-Factor Authentication by providing your phone number or an authentication app.

5. Check Your Email and Phone Number

Make sure your email address and phone number associated with your account are up-to-date. This information will be crucial for recovery.

6. Report the Hack

If you’ve been hacked, report it to Facebook by clicking on Help & Support > Report a Problem > Security & Privacy.

7. Additional Steps for Compromised Accounts

Remove Suspicious Apps: Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites. Remove any apps you don’t recognize or trust.
Review Page Permissions: If you manage any Facebook Pages, check their settings to ensure they haven’t been compromised.
Contact Connected Accounts: If you’ve linked other accounts (e.g., Instagram) to your Facebook account, change the passwords for those as well.
Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye on your Facebook account for any unauthorized posts or messages.
Contact Friends: Inform trusted friends about the hack so they can be on the lookout for suspicious messages from your account.
Keep Records: Document the date and time of the hack, as well as any communications with Facebook support.
Consider Changing Your Email Address: If your email address has been compromised, consider creating a new one and updating it in your Facebook account.

Protecting Your Data

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password when you log in from a new device.

2. Use a Strong Password

Create a password that is difficult to guess, using a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

3. Don’t Reuse Passwords

Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this makes it easier for hackers to gain access to all of your accounts if one is compromised.

4. Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing emails and websites try to trick you into giving up your password or other personal information. Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders.

5. Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates often include security patches that help protect your devices and accounts from vulnerabilities.

6. Use a Firewall and Anti-Malware Software

A firewall helps prevent unauthorized access to your computer, while anti-malware software scans for and removes malicious programs.

7. Be Cautious About Granting App Permissions

When you give apps access to your Facebook account, they can collect data and even post on your behalf. Only grant permissions to apps that you trust.

8. Regularly Review Your Account Activity

Check your Facebook account’s activity log (Settings > Security and Login > Activity Log) to monitor for any suspicious activity and take appropriate action if needed.

Indicator	Action
Unfamiliar logins from unknown devices or locations	Reset your password and enable 2FA
Unauthorized posts or messages	Delete the posts and change your password
Suspicious app permissions	Revoke the permissions and remove the app

Maintaining a Secure Online Presence

In the digital age, maintaining a secure online presence is paramount. To protect your privacy and personal information, it is essential to establish strong passwords and implement effective security measures. Here are 10 ways to enhance your online security:

1. Create Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are the first line of defense against hackers. Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information, such as your name or birthdate, as these can be easily guessed.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to provide a second form of verification beyond your password, typically via a text message or authentication app.

3. Use a Password Manager

Managing multiple passwords can be challenging. A password manager securely stores your passwords and allows you to access them easily without having to remember them all.

4. Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing scams attempt to trick you into revealing your personal information by sending emails or messages that appear legitimate but are actually designed to steal your data. Be cautious of any emails or messages requesting sensitive information.

5. Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software protects your devices from malware, viruses, and other threats that can compromise your security. Keep your antivirus software updated to ensure maximum protection.

6. Be Cautious When Connecting to Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can provide easy access for hackers. Limit your online activities when using public Wi-Fi and avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions.

7. Keep Software Updated

Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect your devices from exploitation. Regularly update your operating system, applications, and firmware to enhance your security.

8. Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly review your financial statements and online accounts for any unusual activity. Report suspicious transactions or unauthorized activity immediately to the appropriate authorities.

9. Educate Yourself About Online Security

Stay informed about the latest online security threats and best practices. Read articles, attend seminars, or seek professional advice to enhance your knowledge and protect yourself from cyberattacks.

10. Implement a Comprehensive Security Plan

To achieve the highest level of online security, consider implementing a comprehensive security plan that includes multiple layers of protection, such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, antivirus software, and regular security audits. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of being hacked and maintain a secure online presence.