Technics used to hack facebook accounts & How to prevent them

Facebook is, undoubtedly, the most popular social networking website with more than 500 million active users. Due to its popularity, many bad guys (black hackers) are actively involved in hacking Facebook accounts of unsuspecting users. Most people may ask why hackers hack Facebook accounts.

This article outlines strategies that hackers use to gain access to the Facebook accounts of hundreds of users each day. Also, you will see how you can prevent some attacks from hacking your account. In the previous article, we discussed how to protect the Facebook account from hackers

Why do bad guys try to hack Facebook accounts?

As I mentioned above Facebook is a popular social networking website, this brings many people to try to access someone’s Facebook account without his consent.

You must also know that hackers can try to access your account for modifying your information, exposing your information, or maybe for fun. Some of the beginners in hacking (script kiddies) try to use some hacking tools developed by professional hackers to hack Facebook account. Also, they can try to hack Facebook account because of:

• 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 account like phishing, keylogging, Trojans/backdoors, Sniffing, Social Engineering, and Sessions Hijacking …

Phishing – hack Facebook accounts

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 user’s 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. Then, know that it can’t block 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 – hack Facebook accounts

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. Also, it can get easier if the hacker has physical access to the victim’s computer.

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

How to stop keyloggers?

If you want stop to be keylogging install a good antivirus and update it frequently. Do not click on suspicious links and avoid downloading illegal software. Also, 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 maneuvering 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 involve 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 true way to reduce the effect of these attacks is to know that they exist, to know how they are done, and to understand the thinking process and mentality of the people who would do such things. Also, stay aware during chats and discussions.

Also, use a tough 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

Also, 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 know 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 to read our article on how to protect your Facebook account from hackers.