TEE #018 My Social Media Account Was Hacked!

Read time: 4 minutes

This week has been an absolute nightmare for me.

On Wednesday morning, I woke up to find that my Facebook account had been hacked at 4am. The hacker had gained access to my account, altered my associated email address, changed the connected phone number, and updated the password. To say the least, I was in a state of panic.

Despite spending three hours diligently trying to regain access to my account and verifying my identity with Facebook as the genuine Sarah-Jane, it became evident that I wouldn't be able to retrieve my account.

Now, due to the absence of a two-factor authentication setup on my account, I've suffered a complete loss. I'm deeply saddened by the loss of all the photographs I've uploaded over the years, capturing precious moments with my children. It's distressing to think that someone else has access to those memories and may be doing the unthinkable with them.

I urge you - please read this and then proceed immediately to secure all your social media accounts, especially if your business depends on promoting your products through these platforms. I cannot emphasize this enough.

This week's actionable tip: SECURE YOUR ACCOUNTS! The following steps apply specifically to Facebook, but they can also be generalized to most other platforms you may be using.

1. Login to your Facebook account: Open your browser and go to www.facebook.com. Enter your email and password to log into your Facebook account.
2. Open settings: Once you're logged in, click on the downward arrow at the top right corner of your Facebook page. From the drop-down menu, click on 'Settings & Privacy,' then select 'Settings.'
3. Go to security settings: From the menu on the left side, click on 'Security and Login.'
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Scroll down until you see the 'Two-Factor Authentication' section, then click on the 'Edit' button next to 'Use two-factor authentication.'
5. Choose your authentication method: You will be given the choice of a text message (SMS) or an authentication app (like Google Authenticator or Authy).
   • For SMS: Enter your mobile phone number in the given field, then click 'Continue.' You will receive a verification code on your mobile. Enter that code in the given field on Facebook and click 'Continue' to finalize the setup.
   • For an authentication app: If you choose to use an app, a QR code will appear on your screen. Open your chosen authentication app on your phone and use it to scan the QR code. The app will provide a code which you need to enter on Facebook to finalize the setup.
6. Confirm setup: After you've set up the method, you will need to re-enter your Facebook password to confirm the change.

Please remember, after enabling 2FA, you'll need to use your authentication method each time you log in to Facebook from a new device or browser. Make sure you have access to your chosen method at all times.

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