What to do if your social media account gets hacked. Our 10 point plan

Businesses take great pride in their ability to communicate effectively with their audiences and social media provides an invaluable means to access that audience effectively. So if your business is hacked then we recommend the following actions. It’s important to take immediate action to regain control and minimise potential damage. Here are the steps we recommend that you follow:

1. Act quickly: As soon as you realise your social media account has been hacked, take immediate action to secure it. The longer the hacker has control, the more damage they can potentially do.
2. Change your password: Reset your password immediately using a strong, unique password. Ensure that it is not easily guessable and contains a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or personal information.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on your social media accounts if available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code or biometric confirmation in addition to your password when logging in.
4. Disconnect suspicious third-party apps: Review the list of authorised third-party applications connected to your social media account. Revoke access for any unfamiliar or suspicious apps.
5. Check account settings: Verify that the hacker has not made any unauthorised changes to your account settings, such as email address, phone number, profile picture, or privacy settings. Restore or update these settings as necessary.
6. Review and remove malicious content: Check your account for any unauthorised posts, messages, or links that the hacker may have shared. Delete or report any malicious content to prevent further spread.
7. Notify the platform: Report the hack to the social media platform’s support or security team. They can provide guidance and assistance in regaining control of your account.
8. Warn your contacts: Send a message or post an update informing your friends, followers, and connections that your account was hacked. Advise them to be cautious of any suspicious messages or links they may receive from your account.
9. Scan for malware: Run a thorough scan of your devices using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software. This helps ensure that there are no malware infections or keyloggers compromising your accounts.
10.  Strengthen security measures: Review your overall security practices and consider implementing additional measures such as regularly updating software, using a password manager, and being cautious of phishing attempts.

Obviously it’s important to continue to monitor account activity and keep an eye on your social media accounts for any suspicious activity even after regaining control. Be vigilant and report any further unauthorised access promptly. Remember, prevention is key to avoiding social media hacks. Regularly update your passwords, be cautious of suspicious links or messages, and use strong security measures like 2FA to protect your accounts.