Alert: Spotting This Facebook Message Indicates a Potential Cyber Assault
In today's digital age, maintaining the security of our online accounts is paramount. Recently, Facebook accounts have become a target for bad actors aiming to steal login information or infect devices with malware. Here's what you need to know to protect your Facebook account and avoid falling victim to these attacks.
Recognising a Password Attack
Identifying a password attack on your Facebook account involves recognising several key signs:
- Unusual Login Activity: If you receive notifications about logins from unfamiliar devices or locations, it could indicate unauthorised access.
- Changes to Account Settings: Unexpected changes to your account settings, such as updates to your email address, password, or security questions, might signal a breach.
- Posts or Messages You Didn't Send: Friends or family members may report receiving messages or seeing posts from you that you didn't send, often containing malicious links or pleas for money.
- Difficulty Logging In: If you're unable to log in because your password or other information has been changed, it's a strong indication of a hack.
Protecting Your Account
Prevention Measures
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all accounts, and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app each time you log in.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your login history and account activity for any suspicious activity.
- Keep Privacy Settings High: Limit who can see your information and posts to minimise exposure in case of a breach.
Identifying Phishing Scams
- Be Cautious of Links and Requests: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, especially those asking for personal or financial information.
- Verify Requests: If someone contacts you asking for money or information, verify their identity by contacting them directly through a known method.
If You Suspect You've Been Hacked
- Act Quickly: Follow Facebook's recovery process to regain control of your account.
- Change Passwords: Update your Facebook password and any other accounts using the same password.
- Secure Other Accounts: Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, strong passwords for all your accounts.
In the latest password attack discovered by MalwareBytes, all links in the email, including 'Report the user', 'Yes, me', 'unsubscribe', and the obfuscated email address at the bottom, open the default email program with a pre-addressed message with a subject line that matches the button/text clicked on.
Facebook warns users to be wary of messages that threaten or demand urgent action, ask for passwords, account details, or personal information, or urge users to click on a link. By being vigilant and proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to password attacks and scams on Facebook.
