Why do hackers target Facebook accounts, and what do they do once they gain access? We’ve outlined the key reasons hackers focus on Facebook accounts and the ways they exploit them.
1. Personal Information Harvesting
Facebook accounts are treasure troves of personal information, including your name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and even your location. Hackers target Facebook to collect this data, which they can then use for identity theft or sell on the dark web. Even seemingly harmless information, like your pet’s name or your high school, can be used to crack security questions on other platforms.
2. Facebook Ad Accounts
Many hackers want Facebook profiles so they can access and manipulate their corresponding ad accounts. Facebook advertisements are rife with scam products. People buy these products and never receive them, and hackers not only steal their money, but often their credit card numbers as well. To make matters worse, these hackers often post something bad onto the victim’s profile so that Facebook disables their account. Once disabled, the user cannot recover their account (at least not without help) to stop the hacker from running ads.
3. Financial Fraud
While many people don’t link financial details directly to Facebook, some hackers specifically target accounts with payment information linked to Facebook ads or Facebook Marketplace. Once they have access, they can make fraudulent purchases, run malicious ads, or transfer money using these accounts.
4. Spreading Malware and Phishing Links
A hacked Facebook account can be used to send phishing messages or malware links to friends and family. Because these messages come from a trusted source, people are more likely to click on them, making it easier for hackers to spread their malicious activities further (see the Taylor Swift scam). Phishing links may ask for sensitive information, while malware can infect users’ devices, allowing hackers to access additional data.
5. Taking Over Pages and Groups
For hackers, taking control of popular Facebook pages or groups is particularly lucrative. Many business and influencer accounts have large audiences and are tied to monetization streams. Once hackers gain control, they can post fraudulent links, request payments for services, or ransom the account back to its owner for a price. They may also sell the page to third parties who want immediate access to a large following.
6. Selling Accounts on the Dark Web
After hacking a Facebook account, cybercriminals often sell access to it on the dark web. The value of an account depends on the amount of personal data it contains, the number of friends, and whether it is linked to any financial accounts or business pages. These accounts can be sold to other hackers or used in coordinated scam efforts.
7. Launching Social Engineering Attacks
Once a hacker has control of a Facebook account, they can use it to perform social engineering attacks. This could involve impersonating the victim and asking their friends or family for sensitive information or money. Because these messages come from someone the victim knows, they are more likely to fall for the scam.
How to Protect Yourself from Facebook Hackers
To protect your Facebook account from being targeted by hackers, follow these best practices:
- Use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Be cautious of suspicious links and messages, even from friends.
- Limit the amount of personal information you share on your profile.
- Review and manage app permissions, especially for third-party apps connected to Facebook.
By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of having your Facebook account taken by hackers. If you are hacked, book a call at Hacked.com today.
Featured image by A.Weaver/Midjourney.