A sharp increase in social media and email hacking reports was observed last year, according to Action Fraud. The fraud and cybercrime reporting service received a total of 35,434 reports in 2024, which is significantly higher compared to 22,530 reports in 2023.
Various hacking methods were employed by fraudsters, with one common tactic being gaining control of an account and impersonating the owner in order to deceive others into revealing authentication codes. This type of scam often tricks victims into thinking they are communicating with a friend.
The primary motives behind social media hacking were identified as investment fraud, ticket fraud, or theft, as stated by Action Fraud. Fraudsters can also obtain account details through phishing scams or data breaches. It is worth noting that many individuals use the same password across multiple accounts, making them vulnerable to hacking if one password is compromised.
To combat this growing threat, Action Fraud has initiated a campaign in partnership with Meta to promote the importance of taking extra precautions online. One of the key recommendations is enabling two-step verification for added security.
Adam Mercer, a representative from Action Fraud, emphasized the severity of social media and email account hacking, labeling it as the most reported cybercrime issue of the year. He highlighted the critical nature of this campaign for all individuals with online accounts.
David Agranovich, the security policy director at Meta, acknowledged the relentless efforts of scammers who continuously evolve their tactics to evade detection. In response, Meta has implemented facial recognition technology to assist individuals in regaining access to compromised or hacked accounts.
In light of these concerning trends, it is essential for individuals to prioritize their online security by adopting best practices such as using unique and robust passwords, enabling two-step verification, and remaining vigilant against potential phishing attempts.
As the digital landscape evolves, it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to stay informed about cybersecurity threats and take proactive measures to protect their sensitive information online. By working together to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices, we can collectively combat the rising threat of social media and email hacking.