By Arthur Moses Opio

Hacking of social media accounts continues to be on the rise. Twitter has experienced security breaches in the past where user accounts were compromised. In such incidents, hackers gained unauthorized access to user data, including usernames, email addresses, and encrypted passwords. These breaches highlight the potential vulnerability of user accounts on social media platforms.

Phishing is a common method used by hackers to steal Twitter account credentials. They often send fraudulent emails or direct messages that appear to be from Twitter, asking users to provide their login credentials on a fake website. Unsuspecting users who fall for these phishing attempts unknowingly disclose their account information, allowing hackers to gain access.

Earlier this year, a report came out saying, "Twitter hacked, 200 million user email addresses leaked, researcher says"

Reuters shared an article about it and to quote in part they said,

The breach “will unfortunately lead to a lot of hacking, targeted phishing and doxxing,” Alon Gal, co-founder of Israeli cybersecurity-monitoring firm Hudson Rock, wrote on LinkedIn. He called it “one of the most significant leaks I've seen.”

If you believe your Twitter account has been taken over or compromised, it's important to take immediate action to regain control and secure your account. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Attempt to log in: Try logging into your Twitter account using your usual username and password. If you can still access your account, proceed to step 4. If you can't log in, move on to step 2.
• Reset your password: On the Twitter login page, click on the "Forgot password?" link. Follow the instructions to reset your password. Make sure to use a strong and unique password that you haven't used elsewhere. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security.
• Secure your email account: If you suspect that your email account associated with Twitter has been compromised, change its password immediately. Since email is often used to reset passwords, securing your email account is crucial.
• Review your account settings: Once you regain access to your Twitter account, thoroughly review your account settings. Check your email address, phone number, and associated apps to ensure they haven't been changed or tampered with.
• Revoke unauthorized access: Under the "Apps and sessions" section in your Twitter settings, review the list of apps and revoke access for any suspicious or unrecognized applications. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your account.
• Review your account activity: Go through your tweet history and direct messages to check for any unauthorized activity. If you notice any suspicious or unfamiliar tweets, delete them. It's also a good idea to inform your followers that your account was compromised and to be cautious of any unusual messages.
• Contact Twitter support: If you're unable to regain access to your account or if you believe your account has been used for malicious purposes, contact Twitter support. Report the issue, provide relevant details, and follow their instructions to resolve the situation.

Remember to maintain good security practices by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious links or phishing attempts. Regularly monitor your account activity for any signs of unauthorised access.

Cybersecurity starts with you. It starts with gaining knowledge like this and ensuring you follow through with good cyber hygiene practices. Also mind what you share online, limit sharing a lot about your personal issues, location, what you do, etc. You are better off preventing. You are better off safe than sorry. 

To find out more on how your Twitter Account Has Been Hacked, Click this link.

Always be Cyber Smart and Cyber Alert.