Hacking in Social Media

I did this post as a result of Fan request, Social media (Facebook, Twitter and others) has been targets of hacker attack for a long time now, and it’s imperial for computer users in general to be informed about hacking. I will start by explaining the basics.
What is Hacking?
Hacking means illegally accessing other people’s computer systems for destroying, disrupting or carrying out unauthorized activities on the network or computer ,or bypass the security mechanisms of an information system or network.
Who is a hacker????
A hacker is a person who creates and modifies computer software and computer hardware, including computer programming, administration, and security.In computer programming, a ‘hacker’ is a programmer who hacks or reaches a goal by employing a series of modifications to exploit or extend existing code or resources. In computer security, a hacker is a person able to exploit a system or gain unauthorized access through skill and tactics. This usually refers to a black hat hacker.
Different forms of Attack :-
There are various hacking attacks which are used in breaking system and causing disruption and for damaging services. These attacks can be given briefly as following:
1. Software Theft: Software will be hacked and will be sold later by producing illegal copies without the permisson fo the owner in an unauthorized way.This results in bankruptcy and downfall for companies that spend millions developing and creating the software.
3. Theft of information: All types of information and data are robbed for a particular benefit or self motivation.
4. Denial of service: Hacker will break into a system and disable different operations and cancel all account so that all users won’t be able to access their own information.
5. Terrorism: known as information terrorism and occurs when dataflow is disrupted causing the system to break down and stop providing services for a period of time.
Different modes Of Computer And Network Attacks :-
1. Distributed denial of service attacks: that the system crashes or stops working for a period of time due to flood of messages or requests.
2. Trojan horse: It is a destructive software installed in computer systems. It shuts down the system and also allows you to hack other people. It enables others to enter your system without your knowing and it can also introduce viruses into your system. The term “Trojan Horse” comes from a Greek story of the Trojan War in which the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their enemies, the Trojans, apparently as a peace offering. But after the Trojans drag the horse inside their city walls, Greek soldiers sneak out of the horse’s hollow belly and open the city gates, allowing their compatriots to pour in and capture Troy.
3. Viruses: It spreads and repeats itself then destroy or attack the system.
4. Websites: Trace your web browser using known security holes and then perform destructive activities.
5. Worms: It used for hacking big systems. It utilises all available resources to create overload to the system and difficulty to function.

This is how you solve your hacked account

Step 1

If your account has been hacked and there is access to your login email address, reset your password by selecting the “Forgot” link that appears above the Password field on the Login page. When you have done this, an email is sent to you with steps for this process.

Step 2

If your login email has been compromised or changed, and your account has been hacked, then you need to send Facebook a status update. This will allow them to look into it further. http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=15838

Step 3

If your email account has been compromised, please take the following steps:
• Think of a unique and complex password and keep it unavailable to everyone. You can accomplish this from the Account Settings page of your account or by using the “Forgot” link on the login page.
• Do step one for every email address associated with this account. Make sure to avoid using the same password for any other account.
• Verify all email addresses associated with your account on the Contact Email section at https://www.facebook.com/editaccount.php
• From your Facebook Account Settings page, complete a unique security question to your account, if you have not already done so.
• Report to Facebook any and all suspicious material at http://www.facebook.com/security

Step 4

If money transfers were sent from your account, and you did not send them, cybercriminals could be using your social network in an attempt to trick your friends into sending them money. These criminals gain control using Chat or Status features and claim that you are stuck far away and in need of financial assistance or even worse dead. Malicious software could have been downloaded to your computer or your password could have been stolen by a Facebook phishing website look alike.

Step 5

If you suspect malicious software could have been downloaded to your computer do the following steps:
• Never click on suspicious links: It is possible a Frenemy could have sent you spam, viruses, or malware. Do not run “.exe” files on your computer without knowing their origin.
• Be sure you are using the most current version of your browser, which contains important security warnings and protection features.
• Run a current version of anti-virus software. If your computer has been infected, you will need to remove the harmful programs to keep your info secure.
• From your Facebook Account Settings page, reset your password. Always choose a different one than you use for other sites. Make up a password with a complex number string, unusual letters, or a combo of punctuation marks. It should be at least six characters long. It is not advisable to use common words from the dictionary.

There is a facebook help page available for questions on how to fix your facebook problems here

Feel free to post your questions in the comments section, i will try to answer them as soon as possible.