Can My Hacked Account Be Recovered?
Few things are as alarming as discovering that one of your accounts has been hacked. Unfortunately, the reality is that recovering a hacked account is often very difficult – sometimes impossible.
Here’s why getting your account back can be unlikely, what risks are involved, and how you can protect yourself from attacks.
Why Recovering a Hacked Account Is Often Unlikely
Companies rely on your credentials to identify who you are: and when attackers steal these credentials, they can impersonate you completely. Most platforms lack effective methods to distinguish between legitimate users and hackers, and once your account is compromised, it’s pretty simple for attackers to lock you out entirely - with most platforms offering limited recovery assistance.
Hackers change your recovery details: Once your account is compromised, often your password and account recovery details are changed right away. They may even disable two-factor authentication or other security features you set up so it is easier for them to regain access. With your backup email and phone number wiped or altered, the usual password-reset instructions you are told to follow become useless.
Limited Support from Platforms: Most online services have insufficient customer support for hacked accounts. As you begin making recovery attempts, you’ll find that automated recovery systems ask you for verification details you can no longer provide, creating a maddening catch-22. You’ve got to prove you’re you by using the very credentials you’ve had stolen! To make matters worse, customer service representatives tend to follow rigid protocols that fail to accommodate the unique circumstances of account theft. In some cases, attackers are even known to use social engineering to trick support staff into keeping you locked out.
The Knock-on Effects of Having a Hacked Account
Losing access to your account is only part of the nightmare and can cause distress long after the incident. A hacked account can also lead to:
Identity Theft & Financial Fraud: Stolen personal data can let criminals impersonate you or steal money by opening credit accounts or making unauthorised purchases.
Reputational Damage: When someone hijacks your social media or email, they can tarnish your name by sending out scams or offensive messages. They are also able to access personal information that you intended to keep private.
Loss of Personal Data: Hackers can steal or delete files stored in your account – emails, photos, documents. You might permanently lose important data, or have sensitive information exposed publicly. This can all happen before you even realise your account was compromised.
How to Minimise the Risk of Being Hacked
You can’t always control what hackers target, but the good news is you can make your accounts much harder to access. Take these precautions to reduce your chances of being hacked:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Never reuse passwords on multiple sites. If one site is breached, attackers will try the same password elsewhere – and about 70% of people who had accounts hacked were using a recycled password. Use a password manager if needed to help you create and remember long, unique, and complex passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your important accounts (email, social media, banking, etc.). This adds a one-time code or approval step when logging in. Even if a hacker steals your password, they can’t get in without that second factor. Microsoft found that 99.9% of hacked accounts had no MFA enabled – simply enabling MFA blocks the vast majority of attacks.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Phishing emails and texts try to trick you into giving away your login credentials. Be suspicious of unsolicited messages or links asking you to log in or provide information, as they often lead to fake websites that steal your password. Roughly one-third of data breaches involve phishing, so always double-check the sender’s address and the URL of any login page before entering your details.
Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on your accounts for unusual activity. Enable login alerts if available, so you’re notified of new sign-ins or changes. Regularly review your account settings and recent logins for any devices or updates you don’t recognize. Spotting strange activity early gives you a chance to secure your account before a hacker locks you out.
Regaining Access to Your Account
Realistically, once a hacker locks you out, getting that account back is an uphill battle. That’s why prevention is key. If you do fall victim, focus on limiting the damage – secure your other accounts, alert your bank and other institutions, and let your friends and contacts know your account was compromised. While you might not always be able to recover the hacked account itself, you can recover from the incident by strengthening your account security and staying vigilant.