Handling an Online Hack

My Facebook accounts were hacked this weekend...taken over by a third party.

All of my business pages, personal profile, contacts, photos, ad accounts and Facebook group GONE - 18 years worth of history.

So as I've been cautioning you all along, I'm grateful for my email list, SMS list and downloaded data and customer lists!

Surprisingly, it wasn't that upsetting. I have become disillusioned with the Facebook feed of late (since the late Dec. changes) and have been growing extensively on Instagram.

That said, I still want to use the platform! But now I get to be uber-intentional about who I connect with there. Many of my friends and group members from 15 years ago are no longer following my content (but I know some of you are! :) ).

As a result, this week's article will share some NEW tips about how to download your Facebook data BEFORE you're hacked, and how to protect yourself.

(And if you DO want to connect with my new profile on Facebook, search my name, I'll be wearing a black leather jacket in the pic. LinkedIn and my email list are all fine!)

How to Protect Your Facebook Account (or other social media account) from a Total Loss if You're Hacked

Imagine waking up one day to find that your Facebook account—one you've had for years—has been hacked and taken over. Your personal profile, business pages, and groups are gone, and with them, your connections, content, and years of hard work. Unfortunately, this is happening more frequently, and recovering an account can be challenging, if not impossible.

As someone who recently experienced this firsthand, I want to share essential steps to protect yourself from a total loss if your Facebook account is ever compromised.

Preventive Security Measures

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Always activate 2FA for your Facebook account, using an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for hackers to access your account.
2. Use a Strong, Unique Password – Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms. A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords securely.
3. Regularly Review Authorized Devices & Logins – Go to Facebook’s security settings to check where your account is logged in. If you see any unfamiliar locations or devices, remove them immediately.
4. Limit Third-Party App Access – Many people unknowingly grant excessive permissions to third-party apps. Regularly audit and remove any apps that you no longer use or trust.
5. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts – Never enter your login credentials on suspicious websites or click on links in emails that claim to be from Facebook but look slightly off. Hackers often use fake login pages to steal credentials.

Account Recovery & Backup Strategies

1. Download Your Facebook Data Quarterly – Go to Facebook’s Settings and download your data as a JSON file every three months. This ensures you have a record of your content, contacts, and important messages in case of a loss.
2. Add a Backup Admin for Business Pages and Groups – If you run a Facebook group or business page, add a trusted co-admin. This way, if you lose access, someone else can help regain control and manage the community.
3. Create a Backup Facebook Account (If Allowed) – Some business owners create a secondary Facebook profile (while following Facebook’s policies) to ensure they retain control over their assets.
4. Regularly Export & Back Up Important Content – Download and store key posts, videos, and business information outside of Facebook. If you need to rebuild, you’ll still have your most valuable content.
5. Maintain an Email List of Your Group Members – Encourage your group members to join an email list or private community (like a membership site, Slack, or Discord) so you can stay in touch even if you lose access to Facebook.
6. Diversify Your Online Presence – Don’t rely solely on Facebook to run your business or community. Build your audience across multiple platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and your own website - and implement measures to get your social media contacts onto your email and SMS list - to minimize risks.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to your Facebook account, business pages, and groups can be devastating, but taking these preventative steps can help minimize the damage. By securing your account, backing up your data, and diversifying your online presence, you’ll be better prepared to recover quickly if the worst happens.

About the Author/Publisher

Marcia Bench is CEO of Female Founders Growth Academy, her fourth business, dedicated to helping female founders grow their businesses using digital products and online content. She also heads up the Digital Marketing Club, providing monthly fresh social media content templates, and the PLR Products Vault, providing resellable digital products for coaches and digital marketers.

Her online career began when she founded the first career coach certification company in the world in 2001. She sold it in 2020 after 19 years and expansion into 42 countries. A 30-time author, Marcia was the third author published by Hay House. Her books include Taking the Leap: from Employee or Executive to Female Founder, The High-Ticket Group Coaching Method and Conscious Client Attraction.