ISLAMABAD: Social media users have been issued security guidelines amid growing concerns over the risk of Facebook and Instagram account hacking.
According to the warning, cybercriminals are using increasingly deceptive methods to target social media users, with a single click on a malicious link potentially exposing their accounts to hackers.
Security experts have cautioned that compromised accounts can lead to the theft of personal information and enable criminals to target victims’ friends and family members through fraudulent messages.
Hackers often create fake websites and pages that closely resemble legitimate platforms to trick users into entering their usernames and passwords. Suspicious links and messages, designed to attract attention or create panic, may also be circulated through WhatsApp, Messenger and other applications.
Once an account is compromised, criminals may impersonate its owner and ask friends or relatives for money under the pretext of an emergency or financial assistance.
Users have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect their accounts from unauthorised access.
They should create strong, hard-to-guess passwords and enable two-factor authentication on Facebook and Instagram to add an extra layer of security against unauthorised logins.
Users are also advised to avoid clicking on unknown or suspicious links and to refrain from entering their login credentials on unverified websites.
Authorities have further urged citizens never to share one-time passwords (OTPs) or verification codes with anyone, as these details could be used to gain access to their accounts.
Following these precautions can help users reduce the risk of account hacking, identity theft and online fraud.
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