Protecting Your Business Social Media Accounts from Hackers
For many small businesses, a social media page is the main way customers find and contact them. It can hold years of posts, reviews and followers. Losing access to it, even for a few days, can mean lost enquiries and a lot of stress. A hacked page can also be used to post scams to the people who trust you.
The good news is that most of the protection comes from a handful of simple habits. Australian government agencies have published plain guidance on this for small businesses. This article sums up their main advice. It covers passwords, admin access, scams and what to do if the worst happens.
Why business accounts are a target
A business page has an audience that already trusts it. That makes it valuable to scammers who want to reach people quickly. Many pages are also linked to a payment method for ads. A hacker who gets in may be able to spend money as well as post content.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman points out another weak spot. A business page is often connected to a personal account belonging to the owner or a staff member. If that personal account is hacked, the business account can be compromised or disabled too. So protecting the people behind the page matters as much as protecting the page itself.
Start with strong passphrases
The Australian Cyber Security Centre guide Secure your social media recommends using a passphrase. This is four or more random words strung together. It suggests a different passphrase for each account. It also says not to share them, including the answers to your security questions.
Avoid details others could find online, such as a pet’s name. The guide notes that a reputable password manager can help you create and store passphrases. This is helpful when a business has several accounts across different platforms. It saves people writing passwords on notes stuck to the office screen.
Turn on multi factor authentication
Multi factor authentication asks for a second proof of identity when someone logs in. This might be a code from an app or a text message. The ACSC guide calls it one of the best ways to add extra security to social media accounts. It should be switched on for every person who manages the page.
The guide also says to turn it on for the email addresses linked to your social media. This step is easy to miss. If a hacker takes over that email account, they can reset your social media password and lock you out. Securing the email closes that gap.
Control who has admin access
The Ombudsman’s guide Using Social Media Securely advises giving access to your business account only to trusted people. It notes that partial access is often available instead of full admin rights. Someone who only writes posts rarely needs the power to remove other users. Keep the top level of access for as few people as possible.
- Check that you can remove other users or profiles connected to the account.
- Review the list of people with access every few months.
- Remove access promptly when a staff member or contractor finishes up.
- Brief everyone with access on these security tips.
Staff changes are a common point of risk. It helps to build account access into your normal steps when someone leaves, alongside the other features of Australian employment law you already manage. If an outside contractor runs your page, set out who owns the account in writing. Written agreements over oral agreements make it much clearer who keeps the login when the work ends.
Separate your ad spending
The Ombudsman suggests using a separate payment method just for social media. Set a spending limit on it. If the account or card is compromised, only a limited amount is exposed. This is a simple step that can stop a bad week becoming a very expensive one.
Watch out for scams and fake messages
Many account takeovers start with a message that looks official. It might claim your page has broken the rules or is about to be deleted. The Ombudsman advises never clicking on a link or message until you have checked where it came from and where it leads. Contact a platform or government agency only through details you find yourself on their official website or app.
The Ombudsman also suggests checking Scamwatch for new and common scams. Knowing what current scams look like makes them easier to spot. Share these warnings with anyone who helps run your accounts. A quick chat at a team meeting can prevent a costly mistake.
Prepare before anything goes wrong
Recovering a hacked account is faster when your details are ready. The Ombudsman recommends keeping a record of your page addresses, the linked phone number and email plus screenshots showing your business name. Set up the account so the platform can contact you by app, text message or email. These details help prove the page belongs to you.
The Ombudsman also suggests trading on more than one platform. If one account is disabled, customers can still find you elsewhere. Your website and other channels keep working while you sort it out. Knowing the different categories of social media can help you choose a sensible second channel.
What to do if your account is hacked
Act quickly and use the official help pages for the platform. For Facebook and Instagram, the Ombudsman says Meta will ask you to change your password and review recent login activity. Report the problem straight away and keep a copy of your report details and number. Resolution can take time, so that record matters.
Only deal with the platform itself or a verified person, and never communicate with the hacker. The Ombudsman notes that IDCARE offers a free service for small businesses dealing with these problems. If neither Meta nor IDCARE can resolve it, you can ask the Ombudsman for help through its online form. Cybercrime and hacks can also be reported to the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Once you are back in, tell your followers what happened if scam posts went out. Remove anything the hacker posted and check every admin on the account. Then change passphrases and confirm multi factor authentication is still on. A calm, honest update helps protect an authentic brand and keeps customer trust intact.
Frequently asked questions
Is a password enough to protect a business page?
A strong passphrase helps, but on its own it is not enough. The ACSC recommends turning on multi factor authentication wherever possible. Do the same for the email linked to the account.
How many people should have full admin access?
As few as practical. The Ombudsman advises giving access only to trusted people. Partial access is often available for those who just post content.
Where can a small business get help after a hack?
Start with the platform’s official help pages and report it quickly. IDCARE offers a free service for small businesses. The Ombudsman may also be able to help if the problem is not resolved.
Should I reply to someone offering to recover my account?
No. The Ombudsman says to deal only with the platform or a verified person. Do not communicate with the hacker or with strangers offering help.
