Technics used to hack facebook accounts & How to prevent them

With over 500 million active users, Facebook is the most widely used social networking site. Unfortunately, this popularity has also attracted black hackers who seek to hack into unsuspecting users’ Facebook accounts. It’s understandable to question why these hackers specifically target Facebook accounts.

This article discusses the methods that hackers employ to gain unauthorized access to Facebook accounts, causing hundreds of users to fall, victim, each day.

Additionally, you will learn how to protect your account from some of these attacks. In a previous article, we discussed ways to safeguard your Facebook account against hacking attempts.

Why do bad guys try to hack Facebook accounts?

As mentioned previously, Facebook is a widely-used social networking platform, which unfortunately leads some individuals to attempt unauthorized access to other users’ accounts.

You must understand the potential threat of hackers attempting to gain unauthorized access to your account, whether it be for personal gain, to expose your sensitive information, or even for their amusement.

Even novice hackers, known as “script kiddies,” may attempt to use tools developed by professionals to hack into your Facebook account.

Be aware that these individuals may have a variety of motives for attempting to breach your security.

• Exposing your information.
• Modifying your data
• Because of love reasons
• For joking or celebrity.
• For money

How do they do to hack Facebook accounts? and which technics do they use?

Although Facebook is more secure there are some technics hackers use to hack Facebook accounts like phishing, keylogging, Trojans/backdoors, Sniffing, Social Engineering, and Sessions Hijacking …

Phishing

Phishing is one of the easiest ways to trick users into giving out their login credentials. All a hacker does is set up a webpage similar in design to that of the Facebook homepage, attach a server-side script to track the username and password entered and store it in a log.

 A new trend amongst phishers is creating Facebook look-a-like widgets for stealing users’ login credentials. The hacker sends you the link by using some attractive words or other technics like:

Hey, do you know that Facebook has a new update? Install the new update by following this link. 

And after the hacker has sent you the link and attractive message he will be waiting for you just to log in and get your information and your account will be hacked.

But nowadays, Facebook blocks phishing links. It can’t stop phishing links, only if the hacker used another method to send the link.

How to prevent yourself from being phished?

At all costs, avoid clicking on suspicious links. Moreover, always check the URL in the address bar before signing in. Avoid logging in through various “Facebook widgets” offered by websites and blogs. Instead, use Facebook’s homepage to sign in.

Always try to use Safe Search while searching. If you do manage to get phished, report the website so that others may get a warning before visiting it. You can also read our article on how to secure a Facebook account from hackers to prevent attacks.

Keylogging

Keylogger is a type of computer virus that tracks keystrokes. Keyloggers can be installed remotely on a computer system by a cracker to record all the activity that is going on the victim’s computer. It can get easier if the hacker has physical access to the victim’s computer.

Besides, know that with this technic a hacker can record all your activities; he can get your username, password, and other information.

How to stop keyloggers?

If you don’t want to be a victim install a good antivirus and update it frequently. Do not click on suspicious links and avoid downloading illegal software.

Furthermore, avoid installing free toolbars and other such spam software. Always scan third-person’s flash and pen drives before using them on your computer.

Social Engineering

Social engineering is the art or better yet, science, of skillfully manoeuvring human beings to take action in some aspect of their lives.

Also, social engineering involves using any trick to fool the user into making himself vulnerable to exploits. This could include anything from sending spoof emails, pretending to be from Facebook, telling you to change your password to 123456 to a hacker maliciously getting out the answer to your Security Question in a friendly chat or discussion.

How to prevent yourself from being socially engineered?

The only accurate way to reduce the effect of these attacks is to know that they exist, and to understand the thinking process and mentality of the people who would do such things. Also, stay aware during chats and discussions.

Furthermore, use a tricky security question, preferably one whose answer you would never disclose to anyone. Moreover, Facebook, or any other company for that matter, will never ask you to change your password or do something as silly as asking you to send out your login details to prove that you are an active user.

Always think before taking action and your e-life on Facebook will be safe from hackers looking to hack Facebook accounts.

Conclusion

Hackers try to hack your email address to get into your account. It can be easy for a hacker to access your account if he knows your email account used on your Facebook account.

I know you may ask yourself how can it be possible, but understand that a hacker can use a brute force attack to get your password and access your account reason why avoid making public your email account. I will recommend you read our article on how to protect your Facebook account from hackers.