Social media security mistakes that get accounts hacked

Key takeaways

Most business social media accounts are hacked through avoidable mistakes: reused passwords, no two-factor authentication, and admins clicking fake messages claiming a copyright breach or account suspension. Turn on two-factor authentication for every admin, use a password manager and check any warning inside the platform itself, never through a link.

• Two-factor authentication on every admin account stops most takeovers.
• Fake 'your page will be deleted' messages are a common route in.
• Use unique passwords, kept in a password manager.
• Check warnings inside the app, never via a message link.

Why are business accounts targeted?

Business accounts are targeted because they have followers to scam, ad accounts with payment cards attached and owners who panic when told the page will be deleted. A hacked page can run ads on your card or message your customers before you notice.

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What are the common security mistakes?

The common mistakes are reusing a password from another site, no two-factor authentication, too many admins, old staff with access, and clicking links in messages that look like they come from Meta, Instagram or TikTok support.

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How do you secure a business account?

Secure it in an afternoon. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends two-step verification and strong, separate passwords for important accounts.

• 1. Turn on two-factor authentication for every admin.
• 2. Use a password manager with unique passwords.
• 3. Remove admins who no longer need access.
• 4. Train everyone to check warnings inside the app.
• 5. Keep recovery email and phone up to date.

What should you do if you are hacked?

Use the platform's official hacked-account process straight away, change passwords on the email linked to the account, remove unknown admins, check ad accounts for new spend and contact your bank if a card was used. Then tell followers, once you are back in, not to trust messages sent while it was compromised.

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How do you spot weak security before a hacker does?

Spot weak security by checking three settings for every admin: two-factor authentication, a unique password and an up-to-date recovery email and phone. Then review recent login alerts. Any admin without two-factor authentication is the most likely way into the account.

• Admins without two-factor authentication.
• Passwords reused from other sites.
• Old recovery emails or numbers.
• Login alerts you do not recognise.

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern we see: an admin receives a message saying the page breaks copyright and will be removed unless they 'verify' through a link. The link captures the login. Turning on two-factor authentication and teaching everyone to check warnings only inside the app closes most of this risk.

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Security checklist

• Two-factor authentication for all admins.
• Unique passwords in a password manager.
• Fewest admins needed, reviewed quarterly.
• Check warnings inside the app only.
• Up-to-date recovery details.

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Next step

Today, check every admin on your main page has two-factor authentication turned on. It is the single biggest protection.