Twitter accounts contain sensitive personal information and are increasingly targeted by hackers. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to secure your account and detect potential compromise. This guide provides expert tips to help safeguard your Twitter presence in 2023.
Use Strong Passwords
The first line of defense for your Twitter account is a strong, unique password. Avoid common words, phrases, or numbers that could be easily guessed. Instead, create a lengthy password with a mix of random upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
You may find it helpful to use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store secure passwords. Enable two-factor authentication as well, which requires you to enter both your password and a verification code sent to your phone when logging in. This prevents access even if your password is compromised.
Never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If it‘s exposed in one data breach, hackers can exploit that to access your other accounts. Unique passwords for each service protect you.
Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Requests
One common way Twitter accounts get hacked is through phishing attacks. This involves a hacker sending you a shady link purporting to be from Twitter itself. If entered, your login credentials are captured and used to access your account.
Carefully inspect any links sent via DM before clicking, even if sent by a friend whose account may be compromised. Hover over the link to see the full URL it leads to. Watch for typosquatting of the twitter domain like twltter.com. Do not enter your username and password on any third party site.
Similarly, be cautious of unsolicited password reset requests. Twitter will never proactively reach out to request your password. If you get an email claiming to be Twitter asking for that information, it‘s likely a scam attempt.
Monitor Account Activity
Routinely check your Twitter account settings and login history for any unauthorized changes. This can reveal if someone has accessed your account.
Watch for tweets you didn‘t post or odd changes to your profile information, avatar, or bio. Suspend any linked payment methods in case of fraudulent purchases. If you spot suspicious activity, change your password immediately.
You can also set up account activity notifications via email or SMS. Twitter will alert you whenever your account is accessed from a new device or browser. This allows quick detection of any unauthorized logins.
Recover Compromised Accounts ASAP
If you confirm your Twitter account has been hacked, act quickly to regain control. First, reset your password if still able to access the account. Then remove any linked payment methods to avoid fraudulent charges.
Check for and revoke any unauthorized third-party apps connected to your account under Settings. Also review your account‘s Privacy and Security settings for any worrisome changes made by hackers.
If you can‘t login, use Twitter‘s account recovery process. This involves entering your username, phone number or email on file, and answering security questions to prove account ownership. Twitter can then reset your password and restore access.
Report Hacking Attempts
Help stop attacks by reporting any hacking attempts Twitter. You can report specific Tweets, accounts, or direct messages engaged in hacking or phishing.
Twitter prohibits attempts to gain unauthorized access to accounts or computer systems. Under their privacy policy and terms of service, this can lead to account suspension. Reporting hacking attempts helps keep the platform more secure.
By taking advantage of Twitter‘s security features and following these expert tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your account being compromised. Stay vigilant against phishing attempts and monitor for unauthorized access. With proper precautions, you can protect your Twitter account from hackers in 2023 and beyond.
