How to restore security on social networks

In addition to representing a threat to privacy, account hacking can prevent access to the account or generate and post fake messages addressed to your community of friends. To protect yourself, certain behaviours are to be avoided on social networks:

• Never store your password in the browser: there are several methods and applications to extract it.
• It’s best not to log on from public computers. If the computer is infected with malware, the passwords and IDs can be intercepted.
• Beware of forgetfulness: if you close the browser but forget to close the session, it will remain open for subsequent users.

If you believe that your Facebook profile or page has been hacked, you can use the security diagnostic tool (link to: https://www.facebook.com/hacked) provided by Facebook. This system will run a thorough analysis of your data to evaluate any intrusion and will suggest the necessary changes. If you’re unable to sign in to your profile, you can reset the password then protect yourself by enabling the “access authorisation” security function, which will require you to enter a numerical code received on your smartphone every time someone attempts to access your profile from an unknown device. To eliminate doubts and concerns, in the general session of the social network’s “Settings” menu, select “Where you’re logged in” and deactivate any abnormal and unwanted sessions opened from the listed locations and devices.

Instagram, owned by Facebook, has very similar security settings. In case of a problem with your Instagram account and password, go to the Instagram help pages (link to: https://help.instagram.com) and the “Privacy and Security Area” tab, choose the most suitable solution for your problem accessing the portal, and follow the instructions.

Twitter profiles can be compromised if you enter your username and password into third-party applications or a malicious website. The use of a non-secure password, the presence of viruses or malware on your computer, and connecting through unknown networks also present other risks. Twitter devotes the page “My account has been compromised” (link to: https://support.twitter.com/articles/75563) to the various possible cases of abnormal use of your Twitter account and the resolution of access and security problems with the network. If the profile can’t be accessed, you must click the official link (link to: https://twitter.com/account/begin_password_reset) to reset the password by entering personal information: your e-mail address, phone number, or username.

Even professional social networks can present dangerous security flaws. Recently, the platform asked 110 million users to change their password (link to article in French?) to avoid data theft. If you’re unable to access your profile due to hacking and a change of password, you can fix this problem with the change password option (link to: https://www.linkedin.com/uas/request-password-reset). To do this, enter the e-mail address associated with your account. In addition, you can verify the access and devices used to access your LinkedIn account and prevent unwanted browsing. Unlike other social networks, LinkedIn offers a contact form (link to: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-rha) to be filled out if all attempts to access the website fail and it’s no longer possible to change your password.

This social network is subject to the security conditions of the Google account. If you suspect that your profile has been hacked or can’t access it, you must consult the portal’s troubleshooting section (link to: https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/2402620) to resolve the problems. Google’s procedure allows you to select the problem that you’ve encountered and offers a range of tips and actions to regain control of your account, enhance its security, and reset your password. On the Sign-in & Security page (link to: https://myaccount.google.com/security), you can enable additional features, such as two-step access validation, change your password recovery e-mail address, and check your devices and applications. 

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