Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to accidentally click a suspicious link.
Social media is notorious for spammy links, and it’s pretty easy to accidentally tap one when scrolling through your feed or comment sections.
Scammers have also become more clever with making links or ads look legitimate, and sometimes, it isn’t until after we’ve clicked one that we realize something is off.
You’ve most likely landed on this blog because you’ve clicked a link on social media and are now wondering what to do. Most importantly, don’t panic.
Take a deep breath, and let’s go through your next steps together.
Steps you can take after clicking a phishing or suspicious link on social media
Always be cautious with links in comments or messages, especially if they seem unexpected or too good to be true. Not all bad link clicks result in an attack, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’ve accidentally clicked on one, follow these steps as soon as possible.
Disconnect from the Internet
Quickly disconnect your device from Wi-Fi or any network connections to prevent potential malware from spreading or communicating with a remote server.
Close the Browser
Exit your app or web browser immediately. If you suspect the browser is unresponsive or compromised, use Task Manager on Windows (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) or Force Quit on Mac (Command+Option+Esc) to close it forcefully.
Change Your Passwords
Change your account passwords, especially if you’ve entered any login information after clicking the link. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
Use a different device than the one you clicked the link on to change your passwords. For example, if you click a malicious Facebook link on your phone, change your account password from your computer.
Contact Your Bank or Finance Company
Phishing scams involve tricking someone into entering and submitting personal information, like bank account numbers, emails, addresses, login information, and more. Contact your bank or finance company immediately if you believe you may have been a victim of a phishing scam that involved your personal banking information.
Run Antivirus Software
Perform a full system scan using reliable and updated antivirus software to detect any threats that may have been downloaded.
For more information about Samsung devices, visit What to do if your Samsung Galaxy phone has been hacked.
People with iPhones should visit How to Remove a Virus from an iPhone.
Enter Safe Mode (Optional)
For Windows, consider booting into Safe Mode, which starts your computer with minimal required processes and services. On a Mac, you can use Recovery Mode if needed.
Clear Your Browser Cache and History
Clear your browser’s cache and history to remove potentially harmful data. Clear the browser from which you clicked the link to help eliminate any saved sessions containing sensitive data.
Check for Unusual Browser Extensions
Look for new browser extensions or plugins you don’t recognize or remember installing. Uninstall or remove them.
Contact Your Device’s Technology Company for Additional Support
If you feel you need additional support or security, contact your device’s manufacturing company (Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, etc.). Their support specialists can offer additional device-specific suggestions.
Prevention is the best defense. Help avoid additional hacking attempts by taking proactive precautions.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security can help protect your accounts even if your passwords are compromised. Most social media accounts offer two-factor authentication, which you can usually find in your account’s privacy or security settings.
Business Accounts – Review roles and permissions
As a proactive step, you can also review business page roles and permissions after changing your password as another layer of protection. Hackers can gain access to your business pages through your personal profile, and you need to periodically check who has what role and permissions on your pages. Add someone you trust as an additional admin, and remove any profiles you don’t recognize (make sure your account still has admin access before removing other accounts).
Update Your Software
Keep software up-to-date, including your operating system, browser, and apps. Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Regular updates close these security gaps and help protect your device from new threats.
Monitor Your Accounts
Keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, change your passwords, force log out any suspicious devices, and report it immediately.
Don’t Fall for Fake Account Closure Emails or Messages
One of the most common hacking attempts is an email or message threatening to shut down your social media account if you don’t take immediate action. Most legitimate companies will not use urgent or threatening language. Do not click on any of the links within the email or message. Contact the social media platform’s direct support line through their app or website if you have questions about the legitimacy of account notices.
Accidentally clicking a suspicious link happens to the best of us.
You aren’t the first to click a spammy link, and unfortunately, you won’t be the last. It’s easy to make a mistake, but following the steps above can help keep your information safe.
Worried about staying safe on social media or need professional help managing your business accounts? Contact us or call (217) 222-1451 to learn more about our social media management services. Our team can help keep your social media pages secure and engaging for your customers.
