How to Prevent Social Media Account Hijacking: 12 Essential Security Steps

Social media account hijacking has become alarmingly common, with over 22% of internet users reporting that they’ve had an account compromised at least once. These attacks don’t just threaten your personal information—they can damage your reputation, lead to financial fraud, and create lasting privacy concerns. Whether you’re managing family accounts or handling professional profiles, understanding how to protect yourself from social media hijacking is now essential digital hygiene.

At Batten Cyber, we’ve helped thousands of individuals recover and secure their online presence after account takeovers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through proven strategies to prevent social media account hijacking before it happens, using approaches recommended by cybersecurity experts and platform security teams.

What is Social Media Account Hijacking?

Social media account hijacking occurs when an unauthorized person gains access to your social media accounts without permission. Unlike simple password guessing, today’s hijacking attempts use sophisticated techniques that exploit both technical vulnerabilities and human psychology. According to recent data from the Identity Theft Resource Center, social media account takeovers increased by 43% in the past year alone.

Hijackers typically gain access through:

Credential theft – Using phishing, malware, or data breaches to steal login information
Social engineering – Manipulating users into revealing access details through deception
Session hijacking – Intercepting browser sessions to gain unauthorized access
SIM swapping – Convincing mobile carriers to transfer your phone number to their device to intercept verification codes

Once they’ve gained access, attackers might impersonate you to scam friends and family, access linked payment methods, steal personal information, or use your account for spam and misinformation campaigns.

12 Essential Steps to Prevent Social Media Account Hijacking

1. Implement Strong, Unique Passwords for Each Platform

Using the same password across multiple accounts is like using the same key for your house, car, and office—if one gets stolen, everything becomes vulnerable. According to the 2023 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 82% of breaches involved the human element, including poor password hygiene. Creating strong, unique passwords for each social media account is your first line of defense against hijacking attempts.

A strong password should:

Be at least 12 characters long
Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
Avoid personal information like birthdays, names, or common words
Not be reused across multiple accounts

Managing multiple complex passwords is challenging, which is why password managers have become essential security tools. These secure applications generate, store, and automatically fill your unique passwords, so you only need to remember one master password.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on All Accounts

Two-factor authentication adds a critical second layer of security beyond your password. Even if a hijacker manages to steal your password through a phishing attack or data breach, they still can’t access your account without the second verification method. According to Microsoft security research, 2FA blocks 99.9% of automated account compromise attempts.

When setting up 2FA, you have several options:

Authenticator apps (most secure) – Apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy generate time-based codes that change every 30 seconds
SMS verification (moderately secure) – Codes sent via text message, though vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks
Email verification (less secure) – Codes sent to your email address, which is only as secure as your email account
Hardware security keys (most secure) – Physical devices like YubiKey that must be plugged into your device to authenticate

For maximum security, use authenticator apps or hardware keys rather than SMS when possible. Many platforms now offer multiple 2FA options, so take advantage of the strongest available method.

3. Secure Your Email Account First

Your email account is the gateway to all your other accounts, including social media. If a hijacker gains access to your email, they can use “forgot password” features to take over your social profiles. According to a Google/Harris Poll, 75% of Americans are concerned about email security, yet many still don’t take adequate precautions.

To properly secure your email:

Use a strong, unique password different from all other accounts
Enable 2FA on your email account
Regularly review account recovery options and keep them updated
Be cautious of email forwarding settings that could send copies of your messages to attackers
Consider using a dedicated email address solely for social media account recovery

Remember that your email security directly impacts the security of all your connected accounts, making it your most important digital asset to protect.

4. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Attempts

Phishing remains one of the most common ways hijackers gain access to social media accounts. These deceptive messages trick you into revealing login credentials or installing malware. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime in 2022, with over 300,000 reported victims.

Social media phishing attempts often appear as:

Messages claiming your account has been compromised and needs immediate verification
Notifications about copyright violations requiring immediate action
Links to fake login pages that look identical to legitimate platforms
Direct messages from “friends” whose accounts have been compromised
Offers that seem too good to be true (free giveaways, prizes, etc.)

To protect yourself, never click suspicious links in messages or emails. Instead, access social media platforms directly by typing the URL in your browser or using the official app. If you receive an urgent message about account security, verify it by contacting the platform through official channels.

5. Regularly Review Connected Apps and Services

Many social media platforms allow third-party apps to connect to your account. While convenient, these connections can create security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. A compromised third-party app with access to your social media can give attackers a backdoor into your account.

Take time to regularly audit and clean up your connected apps:

On Facebook: Settings & Privacy > Settings > Apps and Websites
On Twitter/X: Settings > Security and account access > Apps and sessions
On Instagram: Settings > Security > Apps and Websites
On LinkedIn: Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Other applications

For each connected app, ask yourself: Do I still use this service? Do I trust this developer? Does this app need all the permissions it’s requesting? Remove any apps you no longer use or don’t recognize, and limit permissions to only what’s necessary for the apps you keep.

6. Keep Your Devices and Apps Updated

Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. According to the Ponemon Institute, 60% of data breaches in 2022 involved unpatched vulnerabilities. Regular updates patch these security holes and protect your social media accounts from technical exploits.

Establish a consistent update routine:

Enable automatic updates for your operating system (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
Keep social media apps updated to their latest versions
Update your web browsers regularly
Don’t delay when security patches are released—install them promptly

Many critical updates address zero-day vulnerabilities that are actively being exploited by attackers. The longer you delay updating, the longer your accounts remain at risk.

7. Use Private Browsing and Secure Network Practices

Public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, airports, and hotels are convenient but notoriously insecure. Without proper protection, attackers on the same network can potentially intercept your login credentials or hijack your session cookies. Norton Security reports that 60% of consumers feel their personal information is safe when using public Wi-Fi, despite the significant risks.

When accessing social media away from home:

Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public computers
Enable HTTPS-only mode in your browser to ensure encrypted connections
Log out completely after each session
Clear cookies and browsing data regularly

For additional security, consider using private browsing modes (like Incognito in Chrome or Private Browsing in Firefox) when accessing social media on shared devices to prevent your session information from being stored.

8. Set Up Login Alerts and Notifications

Most major social media platforms offer notification systems that alert you when someone logs into your account from a new device or location. These early warning systems can be crucial for detecting unauthorized access before serious damage occurs. The faster you respond to a potential hijacking, the better your chances of regaining control quickly.

To maximize the effectiveness of login alerts:

Enable notifications for new logins on all platforms
Keep your contact information (email, phone number) current
Act immediately if you receive an alert you don’t recognize
Configure alerts to be sent through multiple channels (email, SMS, app notifications)

If you receive an unexpected login notification, immediately change your password and check for any suspicious activity on your account. Many platforms also allow you to review all currently active sessions and log out remotely from any devices you don’t recognize.

9. Be Cautious About What You Share Publicly

Oversharing on social media can inadvertently help hijackers bypass your security measures. Personal details are often used to answer security questions or create targeted phishing attacks. According to a study by Tessian, 84% of cybersecurity professionals believe that excessive social media sharing increases security risks.

Information that should be kept private includes:

Your full date of birth
Your mother’s maiden name
Your exact home address
Phone numbers
Names of schools attended
Vacation plans (announcing when your home will be empty)
Pet names (commonly used in passwords)

Regularly review your privacy settings on all platforms to ensure you’re not inadvertently sharing sensitive information with the public. Remember that even seemingly innocent details can be pieced together by determined attackers to create a comprehensive profile for social engineering attacks.

10. Create a Secondary Recovery Email

A dedicated recovery email address provides an additional layer of security and recovery options if your primary email is compromised. This strategy creates separation between your accounts, making it harder for hijackers to gain control of everything at once.

When setting up a recovery email:

Use a different email provider than your primary address (if your main email is Gmail, use Outlook or ProtonMail for recovery)
Don’t use this email for regular correspondence
Secure it with strong authentication, including 2FA
Check it periodically to ensure it remains active
Consider using a custom domain for additional security

This recovery email should only be used for account recovery purposes and should not be linked to your public profile or used for general communication, keeping it isolated from potential compromise.

11. Implement Enhanced Privacy Settings

Each social media platform offers various privacy controls that can help minimize your risk of targeted hijacking attempts. Taking time to optimize these settings creates additional barriers against unauthorized access and limits the information available to potential attackers.

Key privacy settings to review include:

Who can see your friends/connections list
Whether your profile appears in search engine results
Who can tag you in photos or posts
Who can send you direct messages
Whether your active status is visible
Location sharing settings

On most platforms, these settings can be found in the Privacy or Security sections of your account settings. Take time to review each option and set it to the most restrictive level that still allows you to use the platform as needed. Remember that the default settings typically favor sharing rather than privacy.

12. Create a Social Media Security Audit Schedule

Digital security isn’t a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Creating a recurring schedule for security maintenance helps ensure your protection remains effective as threats evolve. According to cybersecurity experts, regular security audits can dramatically reduce your risk of account compromise.

A comprehensive social media security audit should include:

Changing passwords every 3-6 months
Reviewing connected apps and devices quarterly
Checking privacy settings after platform updates
Verifying recovery options are current
Scanning for suspicious activity or posts you didn’t create
Updating contact information if it changes

Consider setting calendar reminders for these security tasks, treating them with the same importance as other essential maintenance in your life. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car without regular oil changes, you shouldn’t use social media without regular security maintenance.

What to Do If Your Social Media Account Gets Hijacked

Despite your best efforts, account hijacking can still occur. If you suspect your account has been compromised, taking swift action can minimize damage and help you regain control. The first 48 hours after a hijacking are critical for successful recovery.

Follow these steps immediately if you believe your account has been hijacked:

Try to log in and change your password – If you still have access, immediately change your password and check for any unauthorized activity
Report the compromise to the platform – Each social network has dedicated recovery forms for hijacked accounts
Alert your contacts – Notify friends and family through other channels that your account may be compromised
Check connected accounts – Verify that other accounts linked to the compromised profile haven’t also been affected
Monitor for identity theft – Watch for unusual activity in financial accounts or other online services

For platform-specific recovery assistance, use these official links:

After recovering your account, conduct a thorough security review using the steps outlined in this guide to prevent future hijacking attempts. Consider using comprehensive identity protection services that monitor for signs of compromise across multiple platforms.

Special Considerations for Family Accounts and Business Profiles

Different types of social media accounts may require additional security considerations beyond the standard precautions. Family accounts and business profiles often have higher stakes if compromised, with potential impacts on children’s privacy or business reputation.

Securing Family and Children’s Accounts

When managing social media access for family members, especially children and teens, additional protective measures are essential. According to a Pew Research study, 45% of teens report being online “almost constantly,” making their accounts particularly vulnerable to hijacking attempts.

For family accounts:

Use parental control software to monitor for suspicious activities
Educate children about basic security practices and the dangers of oversharing
Consider family account monitoring services that alert parents to potential security issues
Create age-appropriate guidelines for social media use
Regularly review friend/follower lists on children’s accounts

Many platforms offer family-specific security features, such as Facebook’s Family Center or Google’s Family Link, which provide additional oversight and protection for younger users.

Protecting Business and Professional Profiles

Business social media accounts require heightened security due to their commercial value and brand reputation implications. According to ZeroFOX, businesses experience an average of 10 social media-based attacks monthly, with account hijacking among the most damaging.

For business accounts:

Implement role-based access controls to limit who can post
Use enterprise-grade security solutions for social media management
Create clear security protocols for all team members with access
Consider social media insurance that covers hijacking incidents
Regularly audit post history and engagement for signs of compromise

Business accounts should also have detailed recovery plans in place before an incident occurs, including designated response team members and prepared communications for stakeholders.

The Future of Social Media Security

As social media platforms evolve, so do the security measures available to users. Staying informed about emerging technologies and threats is essential for maintaining robust protection against hijacking attempts. Several promising developments are shaping the future of social media security.

Emerging security technologies include:

Passkeys – Passwordless authentication using biometrics and device verification
Behavioral biometrics – Systems that recognize your typing patterns and usage habits
AI-powered threat detection – Machine learning systems that identify suspicious login attempts
Decentralized identity solutions – Blockchain-based systems that give users greater control over their digital identities

While these technologies promise enhanced security, they also highlight the importance of taking personal responsibility for your social media protection. The most sophisticated security systems can still be undermined by poor security habits.

Conclusion: Creating Your Personal Social Media Security Plan

Preventing social media account hijacking requires a proactive, multi-layered approach to security. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your risk of compromise and protect your digital identity from increasingly sophisticated attacks.

Remember that security is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. Regular maintenance, awareness of emerging threats, and consistent application of security best practices are your best defense against account hijacking.

Take action today by implementing at least three of the security measures we’ve discussed:

Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts
Update and strengthen your passwords using a password manager
Review and optimize your privacy settings across platforms

Ready to take your online protection to the next level? Explore our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions — personally vetted by experts and available through Batten Cyber’s trusted marketplace. Our all-in-one protection packages provide the tools and support you need to safeguard your digital life with confidence.