It's a rainy Tuesday afternoon and the new message icon is flashing on your phone screen. It's a friend asking you for help logging into Facebook. A banal request that you may have had of someone before. She explains that she is having trouble logging in and that she will send you a code, which you should then send to her via Messenger.

At first glance everything seems fine until you click on your email and realize: the code is for your own Facebook account. And now? What follows is a disturbing realization that shows where the limits of trust lie and that it is important to be careful in the digital world.

1. How does hacking a Facebook account work?

1.1 Phishing: A well-known method

Under the guise of kindness and requests for help lies a sophisticated scheme known as “phishing.” The idea is to obtain confidential data by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organization. These phishing attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

1.2 The clever Facebook phishing trick

In our case it is a particularly sophisticated form of phishing. The attacker pretends to need help logging into Facebook and asks to be sent a code. You should then send this code back via Messenger. But that's a trap! The code you receive is actually a verification code that you can use to change your own Facebook account password. If you sent this code back, the attacker would have free access to your account.

2. What consequences can this have?

2.1 Loss of Control of Your Account

In the worst case scenario, the attacker can take control of your account with all data and information. And that's not a little! Pictures, personal messages, friendships - everything is then in the hands of a stranger.

2.2 Misuse of your digital identity

Additionally, your digital identity can be used for all sorts of abuse, from spamming to spreading malware, fake news, or worse, scamming your own friends.

3. How can you protect yourself?

3.1 Be vigilant

The first and most important step to protect yourself from such scams is vigilance. Always be suspicious of unexpected requests or messages, even if they come from supposed friends.

3.2 Verify the request

Before responding to a request, take the time to review it. If in doubt, call the person directly and make sure that it is really the person asking you for help.

3.3 Use two-factor authentication

Another effective way to protect your account is two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA provides an additional layer of security by requiring you to enter a one-time code that is sent to your mobile phone in addition to your password.

3.4 Do not share security codes

As a general rule: Never pass on security codes that you have received via email or SMS. These codes are specific to your account and may only be used by you.

Conclusion

The story of our almost hacked Facebook account is an instructive anecdote. It reminds us how important it is to be vigilant in the digital world. As much as one is willing to help a friend in need, it is also important to be vigilant and verify requests before acting. And when it comes to our security on the Internet, the following applies: “Trust is good, control is better”.

Help us make our online community safer! Download the attached sharepic and share it on your Facebook feed or stories. The more people we can reach with this, the safer our digital world will become. Always remember: think first, then click!

MIMIKAMA

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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )