Programmer reveals easy way how your Facebook account can be hacked

Facebook REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Moneycontrol News 

A computer programmer has recently unearthed a rather easy way of hacking into one’s Facebook account, as per a report in The Independent.

This hack, as claimed by the programmer, can be back-tracked from the password recovery system of the social media application. Upon clicking on the password recovery option, Facebook asks users to enter their registered phone number, after which it sends a unique code via SMS for them to regain access.

In case a hacker has somehow gained access to any of your linked mobile numbers, which can happen if there is an old linked mobile number that you have discarded, they can use the system to gain access to your Facebook profile.

However, this is possible only when you have your mobile number linked to the Facebook account.

While Facebook suggests people to link their account with a phone number they do not ask people to update the contact details.

James Martindale, the 18-year old computer programmer and a blogger on Medium, reportedly tried this and hacked other people’s accounts successfully.

Martindale obtained a new phone number, which he wasn't even linked to a Facebook account and automatically received a text from Facebook upon inserting the SIM in his phone.

Tech experts often point out that hacking into social networks and require less technical skill.

Potential uses of such a method of hacking could be used in scams to make money, selling accounts on the black market or blackmailing users, especially youngsters.

Social engineering scams are the new device for hacking social media websites. They involve exploiting the weakest link in the information system - people.

A first and easy step to protect your social media profile involves only accepting friend requests from those you know in real life and being selective in privacy settings about who can view your updates.