
Meta Recovery Failures Leave Businesses in the Lurch
Businesses are expressing frustration with Meta's response to hacked accounts, as many firms face prolonged battles to regain access to their vital social media platforms. Wedding dress designer Catherine Deane described losing control of her Instagram account as "devastating" and "traumatizing." Her UK-based company relied heavily on Instagram for its online sales, especially in the U.S., with 59,000 followers accumulated through years of daily engagement. However, the account was hijacked after an employee inadvertently shared login credentials via a fake verification form.
Despite repeated attempts, it took four months and persistent emails to contacts at Meta before the account was restored. Other firms recount similar ordeals. Cybersecurity expert Jonas Borchgrevink highlights that "thousands of business pages" face such issues daily, and resolution can take months. Hackers exploit these pages for scams, malware, and even ransom demands.
Meta’s advice—enabling two-factor authentication and using strong passwords—hasn't mitigated the growing concern. With scammers increasingly using AI to craft convincing messages and impersonate Meta support, businesses call for more robust measures. Reports suggest Meta’s current systems often delay or fail to resolve issues, impacting companies worldwide. For businesses relying on social media, regaining hacked accounts is a critical concern that Meta must address urgently.