Twitter Account Hacked: What to Do and How to Recover?

Is your Twitter account hacked? Join me as we explore the ways to regain access to your account. 

In a shocking turn of events in 2020, the internet was rocked by the hacking of 130 prominent accounts, including those of Obama, Musk, and Warren Buffet. Twitter swiftly responded, but the hackers had already used these reputable accounts to orchestrate scams, resulting in significant financial losses within minutes.

Although Twitter has implemented enhanced security measures, the issue of account hacking remains a challenge. If you suspect any suspicious activity on your account, this guide will assist you in understanding the situation and taking appropriate action.

How To Know If Your Twitter Account Has Been Hacked?

Before we proceed further on the topic, let’s examine the indicators that suggest your Twitter account may have been hacked:

  1. You can’t log in: If you cannot access your account using your password and Twitter prompts you to reset it, it strongly indicates that someone may have gained access to your password and changed the password.
  2. Account information changes: If Twitter notifies you that your account details have been modified without your knowledge or authorization, it signals a potential compromise of your account security.
  3. Account Compromised: You may also get a notification stating Your account may be compromised, which indicates your account might be hacked. 
  4. Unusual activity on your timeline: Anomalies such as unfamiliar followers, blocked accounts, or random posts can be signs of a hacked account.
  5. Unauthorized tweets: If you come across tweets you did not post, it indicates that your account has been compromised.
  6. Unknown direct messages: If you discover unfamiliar and unintended direct messages in your Twitter inbox, there is a high likelihood of someone using your account without your consent.

How Can My Twitter Account Be Hacked?

So, despite all the security measures taken by the company, how can a Twitter account still get hacked? The Internet is a risky place to be in, and a little slip-up can get your Twitter hacked. Take a look:

  • Shared Username/Password: One of the most common reasons behind your hacked Twitter account is sharing the username and password with others. Considering the current online environment, sharing your passwords, even with your loved ones, might prove very costly.
  • Phishing Attacks: Hackers may use deceptive emails or direct messages to trick you into revealing your Twitter login credentials by sending you to a fake login page.
  • Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable passwords, such as birthdays or popular dates, can make it straightforward for hackers to access your Twitter account. Additionally, using the same password for multiple social media accounts increases the risk of compromise.
  • Data Breaches: If your email address or password from other platforms is compromised in a data breach, hackers can attempt to use those credentials to gain unauthorized access to your Twitter account.
  • Virus and Malware: There is a high chance that the virus or malware in your device has collected and revealed your password to malicious third-party applications.
  • Malicious Apps: Granting access to suspicious or malevolent third-party apps can expose your account credentials to potential hacking attempts.
  • Social Engineering: Hackers may impersonate Twitter support or other trusted entities, tricking you into providing sensitive information or account details.
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What to Do When Twitter Account Has been Hacked?

If your Twitter account is hacked, taking immediate action to regain control and secure your account is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Change Your Password:

Even if you have the slightest hint that your Twitter account might be hacked, immediately change your password. Here are the steps:

  • Click on the Three-dots icon on the left side of the Twitter homepage. 
Homepage Twitter

  • Select Settings and Support, then click on Settings and Privacy.
Twitter Settings And Privacy

  • Click on your account and select Change your password.
  • Provide the current and new passwords and click on Save
Change Your Password

Is your Twitter account hacked, and has your email changed? Click on the Forgot password link to initiate the password reset process. Follow the instructions and select a strong and unique password that you haven’t used before and is difficult to guess.

Signin Twitter With Google

2. Secure Your Email Account:

Another thing you can do is secure your email account. If you suspect unauthorized access, change your email password promptly. Additionally, you can change the email associated with your Twitter account by navigating to the Account Settings tab and providing a new email address to link with your account.

Twitter Account Information

3. Update Your Password In Third-Party Apps:

If you have been granted access to a trusted external application that uses your Twitter password, it is also essential to update your password within that application. Neglecting to do so may result in temporary lockouts from your Twitter account due to multiple failed login attempts.

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4. Disconnect Third-Party Applications On Twitter:

Review the Apps and Sessions section within your Twitter settings. Carefully examine the listed apps and revoke access for any suspicious or unfamiliar third-party applications.

5. Sacn Your Device:

To safeguard against password leaks from malicious software, thoroughly scan your computer or mobile device using reliable antivirus or anti-malware software. Remove any identified viruses or malware to enhance your account security.

6. Review Your Account Information And Tweets:

If you can log in, thoroughly review your personal information, including your name, email, username, and other provided details. If anything appears suspicious, update the information and change your password accordingly.

Similarly, scrutinize your recent tweets, followed accounts, and private messages for any signs of suspicious activity.

7. Contact Twitter Support:

If you cannot log in after resetting your password, the final recourse is to contact Twitter support. Submit a Support Request, providing the email address associated with the hacked account, your Twitter username, and the date of your last account access.

Help Center Twitter

How To Recover A Hacked Twitter Account:

If you cannot reset your password, you must send a support request to regain access to your account. Here are the steps you need to take:

  • Go to the Twitter Account Access page by following this link https://help.twitter.com/en/forms/account-access
  • Click on the down arrow and select the appropriate action. In case of a hacked account, select I need to regain access to my Twitter account.
Account Help Center
  • Next, select I believe my account is hacked or compromised.
Twitter Help Center
  • Indicate if you can log in to your account or not.
  • Provide your Twitter username, linked email address, and the date of your last account access.
Twitter Account Login
  • Select phone or email as the confirmation method and click Submit to finalize the application. 

How Can I Protect My Twitter Account?

Here are some tips to protect your Twitter account:

  • Delete any unauthorized Tweets that were posted during the period when your account was compromised.
  • Conduct a thorough scan of your computers to identify and remove viruses and malware, especially if suspicious activities continue even after changing your password.
  • Ensure that you install security patches for your operating system and applications to keep them up to date and protect against vulnerabilities.
  • Always create and use a strong and unique password for your Twitter account, avoiding using the same password for multiple accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Also, regularly change your password to keep your account protected.
  • Consider enabling two-factor authentication, which provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second verification step. It will reduce the chances of unauthorized access to your Twitter account.
  • As a best practice, never share your login credentials with anyone to minimize the risk of someone breaking into your account. Safeguard your username and password to maintain the security of your Twitter account.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What to do when a Twitter account has been hacked?

If you feel your Twitter account has been hacked, the first thing to do is change your password immediately. If you cannot log in or notice any unusual activity, contact Twitter support to restore your account.

What famous Twitter accounts were hacked?

Many popular Twitter accounts have been subjected to hacking in the past. Some famous hacked accounts include Barack Obama, Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and other high-profile individuals and companies.

How to report someone else’s hacked account on Twitter?

You can report a hacked account by visiting Twitter’s Help Center and following the instructions to report a compromised account.

Final Word:

In an era where security breaches and data vulnerabilities are prevalent, it is crucial to prioritize social media security and stay alert to address potential crises without any delay.

If your Twitter account is hacked and falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be severe due to the presence of sensitive information. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Take action now to safeguard your account and avoid any potential inconvenience.

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