How Many Social Media Accounts Are Hacked Monthly, In today’s digital world, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, providing a space for communication, business, entertainment, and self-expression. However, with the growing presence of social media, the number of cybercrimes, especially hacking, has also increased. One of the most concerning aspects of online security is the hacking of social media accounts, which can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or even personal harm. But just how many social media accounts are hacked monthly?
The Growing Threat of Social Media Hacking
Social media accounts are prime targets for hackers due to the valuable personal data they contain, such as private messages, photos, email addresses, and more. Hackers often attempt to steal sensitive information or use hacked accounts to send spam, conduct scams, or exploit users’ identities.
Statistics surrounding the number of hacked social media accounts vary depending on the source, but the figures are alarmingly high. According to a report by Surfshark in 2021, nearly 5.2 million Facebook accounts were hacked and leaked online in one instance. While Facebook is a prominent target, platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok also face frequent hacking attempts.
How Many Accounts Are Hacked Monthly?
Though it is difficult to pinpoint an exact number due to the widespread nature of the issue, estimates suggest that millions of social media accounts are hacked every month. For example, a study from Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that over 1 million new data records are stolen every minute across various platforms, including social media.
In 2020, a report from Atlas VPN indicated that more than 15 million social media accounts were hacked globally. When broken down, this averages to approximately 500,000 accounts hacked per day or roughly 15 million monthly hacks. However, this figure can fluctuate based on different hacking methods, security breaches, and the scale of the hack.
Common Hacking Techniques
Hackers employ various methods to gain unauthorized access to social media accounts, including:
- Phishing – One of the most common tactics, phishing involves tricking users into revealing their login credentials through fake websites, emails, or messages.
- Credential Stuffing – This involves using stolen usernames and passwords from previous data breaches to gain access to multiple accounts on different platforms.
- Malware – Some hackers use malicious software to infiltrate devices and steal social media login details.
- Social Engineering – In this method, hackers manipulate individuals into divulging their personal information by impersonating trusted entities.
Why Social Media Accounts Are Targets
The high volume of personal information stored on social media platforms makes them attractive to cybercriminals. Hackers aim to exploit users’ identities for several reasons, including:
- Financial Gain: Fraudsters can use hacked accounts to steal money, make unauthorized purchases, or carry out scams.
- Data Exploitation: Hackers can sell personal data on the dark web or use it for identity theft.
- Spreading Malware or Spam: Once in control of an account, hackers often use it to spread malware or send spam messages to others in the victim’s network.
How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts
While the statistics may seem alarming, there are several steps you can take to safeguard your social media accounts from hackers:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure that each social media account has a different, complex password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Most social media platforms offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone.
- Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Always verify the authenticity of emails or messages asking for your personal details.
- Keep Your Devices Secure: Regularly update your operating system and apps to protect against vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
- Monitor Account Activity: Many social media platforms provide tools that allow you to review your account activity. Regularly checking these logs can help you spot suspicious behavior early.
Conclusion
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of social media accounts hacked each month, estimates suggest millions of accounts fall victim to cybercriminals annually. The rising number of social media hacks emphasizes the need for stronger security measures, both for individual users and social media platforms alike. By remaining vigilant and adopting best practices for online security, users can significantly reduce their risk of having their accounts compromised.