If someone is hacking your social media or attempting to control who you contact and speak to, it’s a severe violation of privacy, safety, and autonomy. Monitoring and recording such behavior, while also securing your digital presence, is crucial for both protecting yourself and gathering evidence to stop the intrusion.
Step 1: Secure Your Social Media and Digital Accounts
1. Change Passwords Immediately
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A good password includes a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid using information they may know, like birthdays, names, or predictable patterns.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Activate 2FA on all accounts. This adds a layer of security, requiring a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone or email.
3. Review Account Activity
- Social Media: Check for unusual logins or activity in the security settings of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
- Email Accounts: Review login history and device connections. Look for unfamiliar devices or locations.
4. Check for Spyware or Monitoring Apps
- On your phone or computer, look for unknown or suspicious apps or software that could allow someone to monitor your activity.
- Run a trusted anti-virus or anti-spyware program to detect and remove malicious software.
5. Reclaim Hacked Accounts
- If your account has been compromised, follow the platform’s account recovery process (e.g., Facebook’s “Hacked Account” feature).
Step 2: Monitor and Document Unusual Behavior
1. Keep a Log of Incidents
- Record every suspicious event, including:
- Unexpected password resets.
- Logins from unfamiliar locations.
- Messages or posts you didn’t write.
- Contact changes or deleted friends.
2. Save Evidence
- Take screenshots of unusual activity, like altered profiles, unauthorized messages, or new friend requests they might have sent.
- Keep records of notifications from platforms alerting you to login attempts or account changes.
3. Note Behavioral Patterns
- If the individual uses information from your social media to manipulate or intimidate you, document how they reference things they shouldn’t know.
4. Track Suspicious Contact
- Keep a record of any new accounts or people who try to reach you that may be linked to the person (e.g., fake profiles or mutual acquaintances suddenly contacting you).
Step 3: Strengthen Digital Privacy
1. Update Privacy Settings
- On Facebook and other platforms:
- Set your profile to private.
- Limit who can see your posts, friend list, and contact information.
- Turn off location sharing.
2. Disconnect Unfamiliar Devices
- Go to the “connected devices” section of your accounts and log out of any device you don’t recognize.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
- Use secure networks, as public Wi-Fi can be exploited for hacking attempts.
4. Be Cautious of Links and Phishing
- Don’t click on suspicious links sent via email, text, or social media, even if they appear to be from a trusted contact.
Step 4: Report the Behavior
1. To the Platform
- Most social media platforms have policies against hacking and stalking. Report suspicious activity to the platform’s support team.
2. To Authorities
- If the hacking is part of a broader pattern of harassment or stalking, report it to your local police or cybercrime unit.
- Provide evidence of the incidents, including screenshots, logs, and any correspondence.
Step 5: Seek Professional Support
- Digital Forensics Experts: They can help identify hacking methods and secure your devices.
- Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor if this behavior violates harassment or privacy laws in your area.
Step 6: Emotional and Psychological Support
- Dealing with this kind of intrusion can be emotionally taxing. Reach out to a trusted friend, support group, or therapist to process feelings of anxiety, frustration, or violation.
What You Can Use to Record and Monitor
- Screen Recording Software
- Tools like OBS Studio or native device screen recording can document suspicious activity.
- Activity Monitoring Tools
- Apps like GlassWire or Activity Monitor (Mac) can detect unusual network traffic or app activity.
- Backup Evidence Regularly
- Save all records securely on external drives or encrypted cloud services in case you need them later.
This situation is serious, but by staying vigilant, taking action to secure your accounts, and documenting everything thoroughly, you can regain control and hold the perpetrator accountable.
