How to Protect Your Business’s Social Media Accounts

Why business accounts are a target

Accounts with a real audience are valuable. Scammers take them over to promote fake offers to your followers, demand payment to give them back, or simply resell them. Almost every case starts the same way: a reused password, a convincing fake message, or a login shared with too many people.

The essentials

1. Turn on two-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app rather than text messages where possible, and save the backup codes somewhere safe.
2. Use a unique, long password for each platform, stored in a password manager.
3. Secure the email address behind the account. Whoever controls that inbox can reset your password, so give it 2FA too.
4. Keep recovery details up to date: a current phone number and email you actually check.
5. Turn on login alerts so you are told when someone signs in from a new device.

Give your team access without sharing passwords

Sharing one login with staff, freelancers or agencies is the most common weak point. Instead, use the built-in team tools: for Instagram and Facebook that is Meta Business Suite, where each person gets their own login and only the role they need. When someone leaves, you remove their access in one click and nothing else has to change.

Spot phishing messages

Fake messages are designed to make you panic and click. Be suspicious of any message that:

• Claims your account will be deleted or has broken copyright rules, and asks you to "appeal" through a link.
• Offers a verification badge, collaboration or prize in exchange for logging in somewhere.
• Comes from an account or email address that only looks official.
• Asks for your password, backup codes or the code just sent to your phone. Real platforms never ask for these.

When in doubt, open the app directly and check your notifications and account status there instead of using the link.

Check connected apps and growth services

Scheduling tools and analytics apps can be useful, but every app you connect gets some access to your account. Review connected apps every few months and remove anything you no longer use. Avoid services that promise followers or likes in exchange for your login: they break platform rules, can get your account restricted, and your audience won’t be real. Organic growth takes longer but lasts - see our marketing tips.

If you lose access

• Use the platform’s official account recovery process from the app’s login screen.
• Check the email inbox linked to the account for "your email was changed" messages; they often contain a link to undo the change.
• Warn your followers through your other channels so they don’t fall for messages sent from your account.
• Once you are back in, change passwords, remove unknown devices and connected apps, and turn on 2FA.

Never pay anyone who offers to "recover" your account for a fee; these offers are almost always a second scam.

Frequently Asked Questions