Ever had that sinking feeling when you realize something’s gone wrong with your social media account?

You’re definitely not alone. With cybercrime and identity theft on the rise, more and more people are finding themselves locked out of their online accounts, often through no fault of their own.

Let’s take a look at a real-life example that shows just how sophisticated these scams can be. Below is an email we received from Marilyn of Hampton, Virginia, who wanted to share her story as a warning to others:

“Someone impersonated a Facebook friend of mine and sent a message via FB Messenger asking for a favor. They wanted to use the FB feature to ask a friend to help recover their account. I went to their FB page, and it was a clone (can’t see it now). The page had their real-looking profile pic and showed a picture of them out of town helping a family member move. 

A CLOSE CALL WITH A FACEBOOK SCAM THAT TRIED TO STEAL CREDIT CARD INFO

“I asked them to call me so I could know it was them. They video-called me on FB Messenger, and it showed a moving picture of them smiling, but the connection was ‘bad’ and got ‘lost.’  I asked them to tell me something about myself, and they sent me the name of my son (who has a different last name). Satisfied, I agreed to help. They asked that I send them a recovery code which I did. In a flash, they changed the emails (which one was newly fake) and my password, which essentially locked the real me out. 

“I tried to recover my account, but the instructions listed on FB sent me in circles. I Googled FB support and called a support number. They installed AnyDesk on my phone and scanned it. Said someone had purchased $17,000 in bitcoins. If I allowed them to send me one dollar they could verify something. I realized it was a scam and hung up.

“I’ve since changed my email address and passwords for important accounts. Also have created a new FB account. However, I was admin for 3 FB groups, and the hacker got into them. Deleted one year of posts and photos from one group. And is still listed as Admin in another group. I cannot remove them. I imagine they stole my old FB account and are still operating incognito on some sites. Went to my local police station yesterday. The officer said in order to report something it had to be a tangible loss such as money or property. And I should consider reporting it to IC3.gov. How would I find a live person in my area to meet with in person to help me with cyber concerns. Thought you’d appreciate my story, how one awful mistake can lead to thousands of problems.”

Marilyn, we’re really sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful, and your story highlights how even careful people can be targeted by increasingly clever scams. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation and protect yourself moving forward.

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A Facebook account on a laptop and smartphone   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Recovering your Facebook account

Having your Facebook account compromised after a hacker has changed your email and password and completely locked you out of your profile can be devastating. While Facebook offers account recovery options, these become challenging when hackers have altered your login credentials. However, don’t worry, as recovery is still possible, depending on certain factors. 

CLONED ON FACEBOOK? HERE’S HOW TO TAKE BACK CONTROL

Report the hack to Facebook

If you have access to a device you previously used to log into Facebook, you can use it to report that your account has been hacked.

Steps to report the hack to Facebook  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Follow the on-screen instructions to help Facebook locate your account and start the recovery process.
• You will need to verify your identity and recover your account. This may include:Answering security questions you previously set up.Identifying photos of friends if you had previously tagged them.Providing a government-issued ID for verification.
• Answering security questions you previously set up.
• Identifying photos of friends if you had previously tagged them.
• Providing a government-issued ID for verification.

Once Facebook verifies your identity, it will help you regain access to your account. This process may take several days, especially if you need to submit ID verification. 

Recover your account

The hacker may have changed your password, but Facebook can still use your email address or phone number to help you regain access, even if the hacker changed them on your Facebook profile. Ensure you still have access to these contact methods and follow the steps below.

• Go to facebook.com.
• Click Forgot password? below the login form.

Steps to ensure you have access to your FaceBook account  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Follow the on-screen instructions to use your email address or phone number to recover the account.

Remove the hacker from groups

After regaining access to your Facebook account, you should remove the hacker from any groups that you are an administrator of. If you’re not an administrator or you have lost your admin privileges, you should file a report with Facebook so you can either get them removed or reclaim your admin rights.

• Visit Facebook’s Help Center to file a report.
• Pick the scenario that best describes your situation.
• Follow the instructions provided by Facebook to report the issue.

Unfortunately, if the hacker removed you as an admin and added themselves, it can be very difficult to regain control. Continue to report the group as compromised and ask other group members to do the same.

Avoiding secondary scams

Marilyn’s story also highlights a second danger of fake support numbers and remote access scams. If you ever find a “Facebook support” phone number online, be extremely cautious. Facebook does not offer phone support for account recovery. Never install remote access apps like AnyDesk at the request of someone claiming to be tech support unless you are absolutely sure of their legitimacy. Scammers use these tools to gain access to your device and personal information.

Reporting the incident to authorities and organizations 

When your online accounts are compromised, it’s important to report the incident to the appropriate authorities and organizations. Your report will not only help you recover from the hacking incident, it will also assist in preventing similar incidents from affecting others.

Knowing where to report these incidents is essential. It can make a significant difference in the investigation and resolution of your case.

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

As suggested by the police in the email, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) can help. It’s a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center for Americans to report cybercrime and fraud carried out over the internet. Visit IC3.gov to file a complaint.

You may not get a direct response, but your experience can help them fight cybercrime and identify threats better in the future. If your case requires them to take action, they will do whatever it takes to find you justice.

Local cybersecurity help

You can also find local cybersecurity experts through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Check if it has a regional office located near you. It will have trained professionals who understand local threats. Their experts can provide you with personalized guidance for your situation. They also offer resources and training to help prevent future cybersecurity incidents.

Protecting your online identity

Protecting your online identity is crucial in today’s digital landscape, especially if you created another Facebook account because the old one was unrecoverable. There’s no telling if cybercriminals will try to gain unauthorized access to those as well.

Here are essential steps to safeguard your digital presence and prevent future security breaches on Facebook and beyond.

1. Change passwords

Continue to change passwords for all your important accounts, including email, banking and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account by combining uppercase letters, numbers and special characters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here.

2. Enable two-factor authentication

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This means you’ll need both your password and a second form of verification (like a code sent to your phone) to log in. So, even if hackers have your password, it will be useless if they don’t have the second verification factor. You can easily do this on Facebook using the steps below:

• Log in to your Facebook account.
• Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Select Settings & Privacy in the menu.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Navigate to Settings & privacy on Facebook.
• Click Settings in the submenu.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Accounts Center on the left side menu.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Click Password and security in the left side menu and then select Two-factor authentication on the right

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Select your account in the pop-up.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Enter the code Facebook sends to your linked email and click Continue.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• Re-enter your password and click Continue.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

• In the How you get a login code section, choose a method and follow the steps to complete the setup. The recommended option is the Authentication app, which will link you to an authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Be sure to also add a backup method in case you don’t have access to the authenticator app. You can do this by clicking Text message in the Add a backup method section and following the instructions to get codes sent to your phone via text message.

Steps to enable 2FA on Facebook  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

LOST ACCESS? HERE’S HOW TO RECLAIM YOUR FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

3. Device security after a remote access scam

If you installed AnyDesk or any other remote access tool at the scammer’s request, your device could still be at risk. Immediately uninstall the app, run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan and change your passwords from a different, secure device. If you notice ongoing suspicious activity, consider resetting your device to factory settings. Here are the steps to reset your iPhone, Android, PC and Mac.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 

4. Monitor your accounts

Keep an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity.  Also, consider using an identity theft protection service. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.  They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. 

One of the best parts of my No. 1 pick is that they have identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

5. Finding local help

When dealing with Facebook account security issues, you can also look to local support to help you out. It can provide personalized guidance for recovering compromised Facebook accounts and help you establish better security measures. You just need to find the right local resources to address your Facebook-related cybersecurity concerns.

Local cybersecurity firms

Look for local cybersecurity firms or consultants who can provide in-person assistance with account recovery. They will provide experts who specialize in dealing with social media hacks and identity theft. You can find them with a quick Google search like “Local cybersecurity firms near me.” You can also look in local business directories or ask around in your professional networks. Many offer free initial consultations to assess your situation and explain their services.

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Community resources

You can also reach out to your community for valuable cybersecurity resources and education opportunities. Your local libraries and community centers may offer free workshops to help residents stay safe online. Government offices also host frequent training sessions focused on helping people protect their digital accounts. The good thing about these programs is that they often provide hands-on guidance for understanding and implementing better security practices.

Extra protection steps 

Protecting your online accounts requires vigilance and knowledge of the best security practices. With cyber threats constantly evolving, understanding how to defend against common attacks is crucial. These tips will help safeguard your digital presence and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.

Be cautious with personal information

Scammers and cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to steal sensitive data. You need to understand how to safeguard your information to prevent yourself from becoming one of their victims.

Here are key ways to protect your personal information online:

Never: Share your passwords, verification codes or account recovery information, even with people who claim to be friends or family.

Always: Verify the person’s identity through multiple channels; don’t rely solely on their social media profiles, messages or emails.

Be skeptical: Of urgent requests for personal data, especially those pressuring you to act quickly before something bad happens.

Check: Sender email addresses carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones.

When in doubt: Contact friends or companies directly through official channels rather than responding to incoming messages.

Consider investing in a personal data removal service: As a final step, consider using a reputable personal data removal service. These services can help remove your personal details from data broker sites and reduce your exposure to future scams or identity theft. Taking this extra precaution can further protect your privacy and give you greater peace of mind online.

While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web

Kurt’s key takeaways

You should never share Facebook account recovery codes or any verification information with anyone because scammers can impersonate those close to you to hack your account. Also, ensure you protect yourself by enabling two-factor authentication on Facebook and staying vigilant about suspicious requests.

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If you have ever been in Marilyn’s situation, what steps did you take to recover your account and protect yourself from future attacks? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Shanghai is no stranger to jaw-dropping feats of engineering. 

In the latest example, a Shanghai historic building moved by robots is capturing global attention. The relocation of the complex in Huayang, a Shikumen-style building weighing about 7,500 metric tons (approximately 8,267 U.S. tons) and covering roughly 43,400 square feet, is truly rewriting the rules. 

This ambitious project is powered by an army of 432 small robots that are moving the massive structure about 33 feet each day to make way for a new underground development. Let’s dive into how this is happening, why it matters and what it means for the future of urban preservation.

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ROBOTS STEP INTO THE RING FOR A FIRST-EVER BOXING MATCH

Over 400 small robots are moving the complex in Huayang. (Shanghai Government)

What makes the Shanghai historic building moved by robots so special?

The Huayanli complex is a set of three brick-and-wood buildings constructed between the 1920s and 1930s. Located in the heart of Shanghai’s historic Zhangyuan area, these structures are classic examples of shikumen architecture, which is a unique blend of Western and Chinese design. Zhangyuan itself is over 140 years old and is one of Shanghai’s largest and best-preserved shikumen neighborhoods.

Over 430 small robots are moving the Huayanli complex  (Shanghai Government)

DELIVERY ROBOT AUTONOMOUSLY LIFTS AND TRANSPORTS HEAVY CARGO

Why is a Shanghai historic building being moved by robots?

The relocation is not just for show. The city is building a three-story underground center beneath the complex that will include over 570,000 square feet of cultural and commercial space, a parking garage with more than 100 spots and a transportation hub that will connect three major subway lines. By preserving the historic Huayanli complex above ground while adding modern infrastructure below, Shanghai is finding a smart balance between honoring its heritage and embracing progress.

Over 430 small robots are moving the Huayanli complex  (Shanghai Government)

BUILDING-IN-A-BOX TRANSFORMS INTO A PORTABLE TINY HOME IN MINUTES

The challenges: Tight spaces and dense history

Moving a building of this size is tough enough, but the challenge is multiplied by Zhangyuan’s dense web of narrow alleys and closely packed historic buildings. Traditional relocation methods simply would not fit. The area’s historic significance also means that any mistake could damage irreplaceable architecture, including the 1928 “great hall” that once housed a patriotic night school.

Over 400 small robots are moving the Huayanli complex  (Shanghai Government)

SOLAR-POWERED ROOF WRAPS NEW MEGA MODERN OPERA HOUSE

How 432 robots are moving a historic Shanghai building

Instead of using cranes or bulldozers, engineers put 432 small walking robots to work. These robots gently lift the building and slowly move it forward, inch by inch, covering about 33 feet each day. To achieve this incredible level of precision, the project relies on several advanced technologies. Special low-clearance drilling robots, which can be operated remotely, navigate tight corridors and doorways to create new foundations beneath the historic structure.

Earth-moving robots equipped with folding mechanical arms, just under four feet wide, use artificial intelligence to tell the difference between clay and solid obstacles. Engineers also use building information modeling and point cloud scanning to create highly detailed 3D blueprints. These digital models help the team plan exact movement routes, avoid potential collisions and design curved paths for removing soil.

To keep the construction site efficient and minimize disruption, soil is carried out using a conveyor belt system, much like an assembly line. The move is only temporary. Once the underground construction is finished, the Huayanli complex will be carefully returned to its original spot, fully restored and preserved, now sitting atop a modern underground facility.

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Over 400 small robots are moving a Huayanli complex  (Shanghai Government)

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What’s next for Zhangyuan?

When the project is finished, the renewed Zhangyuan will blend its above-ground historic charm with state-of-the-art underground amenities. The area will connect to nearby high-rises, shopping centers and neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and accessible urban space that honors its past while embracing the future.

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Over 400 small robots are moving the Huayanli complex  (Shanghai Government)

Kurt’s key takeaways

It is not every day that an entire historic building is made to walk across a city block, but Shanghai’s Huayanli project shows that with the right technology and a bit of imagination, even the oldest neighborhoods can be part of tomorrow’s cityscape. This combination of preservation and innovation offers a fascinating glimpse into how cities can grow without losing their soul. Who would have thought that robots could become the unsung heroes of heritage?

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If robots can move entire historic neighborhoods to make way for modern development, how far should we go in reshaping our cities, and what parts of our past are truly worth preserving? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Over the past decade, software companies have built solutions for nearly every industry, including healthcare. One term you might be familiar with is software as a service (SaaS), a model by which software is accessed online through a subscription rather than installed on individual machines. 

In healthcare, SaaS providers are now a common part of the ecosystem. But, recently, many of them have made headlines for the wrong reasons. 

Several data breaches have been traced back to vulnerabilities at these third-party service providers. The latest incident comes from one such firm, which has now confirmed that hackers stole the health information of over 5 million people in the United States during a cyberattack in January.

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ASCENSION HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH EXPOSES 430,000 PATIENT RECORDS

A healthcare worker looking at data on a tablet   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

SaaS firm leads to major healthcare blunder

Episource, a big name in healthcare data analytics and coding services, has confirmed a major cybersecurity incident (via Bleeping Computer). The breach involved sensitive health information belonging to over 5 million people in the United States. The company first noticed suspicious system activity Feb. 6, 2025, but the actual compromise began ten days earlier.

An internal investigation revealed that hackers accessed and copied private data between Jan. 27 and Feb. 6. The company insists that no financial information was taken, but the stolen records do include names, contact details, Social Security numbers, Medicaid IDs and full medical histories.

Episource claims there’s no evidence the information has been misused, but because they haven’t seen the fallout yet doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Once data like this is out, it spreads fast, and the consequences don’t wait for official confirmation.

A woman looking at a health app on her smartphone   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

OVER 8 MILLION PATIENT RECORDS LEAKED IN HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH

Why healthcare SaaS is a growing target

The healthcare industry has embraced cloud-based services to improve efficiency, scale operations and reduce overhead. Companies like Episource enable healthcare payers to manage coding and risk adjustment at a much larger scale. But this shift has also introduced new risks. When third-party vendors handle patient data, the security of that data becomes dependent on their infrastructure.

Healthcare data is among the most valuable types of personal information for hackers. Unlike payment card data, which can be changed quickly, medical and identity records are long-term assets on the dark web. These breaches can lead to insurance fraud, identity theft and even blackmail.

Episource is not alone in facing this kind of attack. In the past few years, several healthcare SaaS providers have faced breaches, including Accellion and Blackbaud. These incidents have affected millions of patients and have led to class-action lawsuits and stricter government scrutiny.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

A healthcare worker typing on her laptop    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

5.5 MILLION PATIENTS EXPOSED BY MAJOR HEALTHCARE DATA BREACH

5 ways you can protect yourself from healthcare data breach

If your information was part of the healthcare breach or any similar one, it’s worth taking a few steps to protect yourself.

1. Consider identity theft protection services: Since the healthcare data breach exposed personal and financial information, it’s crucial to stay proactive against identity theft. Identity theft protection services offer continuous monitoring of your credit reports, Social Security number and even the dark web to detect if your information is being misused. 

These services send you real-time alerts about suspicious activity, such as new credit inquiries or attempts to open accounts in your name, helping you act quickly before serious damage occurs. Beyond monitoring, many identity theft protection companies provide dedicated recovery specialists who assist you in resolving fraud issues, disputing unauthorized charges and restoring your identity if it’s compromised. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

2. Use personal data removal services: The healthcare data breach leaks loads of information about you, and all this could end up in the public domain, which essentially gives anyone an opportunity to scam you.  

One proactive step is to consider personal data removal services, which specialize in continuously monitoring and removing your information from various online databases and websites. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web.

3. Have strong antivirus software: Hackers have people’s email addresses and full names, which makes it easy for them to send you a phishing link that installs malware and steals all your data. These messages are socially engineered to catch them, and catching them is nearly impossible if you’re not careful. However, you’re not without defenses.

The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

4. Enable two-factor authentication: While passwords weren’t part of the data breach, you still need to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It gives you an extra layer of security on all your important accounts, including email, banking and social media. 2FA requires you to provide a second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password when logging in. This makes it significantly harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they have your password. Enabling 2FA can greatly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your sensitive data.

5. Be wary of mailbox communications: Bad actors may also try to scam you through snail mail. The data leak gives them access to your address. They may impersonate people or brands you know and use themes that require urgent attention, such as missed deliveries, account suspensions and security alerts.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

What makes this breach especially alarming is that many of the affected patients may have never even heard of Episource. As a business-to-business vendor, Episource operates in the background, working with insurers and healthcare providers, not with patients directly. The people affected were customers of those companies, yet it’s their most sensitive data now at risk because of a third party they never chose or trusted. This kind of indirect relationship muddies the waters when it comes to responsibility and makes it even harder to demand transparency or hold anyone accountable.

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Do you think healthcare companies are investing enough in their cybersecurity infrastructure? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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