FaceBook? What is a state-sponsored actor?

Facebook is sending out confusing notification warnings – as of this week – to users that might be the subject of hacking efforts by 3rd party systems. The message their receiving suggests that they “may be the target of attacks from state-sponsored actors.”What the hell is a state sponsored actor?” This message must have been written by a coder that must explain everything in the most complicated confusing way possibles. The message is simple. State-sponsored actors are just hackers sponsored by the government. Not the United States government (not in this case), but potentially harmful nonetheless.

A State Sponsored Actor is a HACKER hired by the Government (Not THE USA Government in this case)

The word “actor” usually refers to a person in a movie or on TV, acting a part in a film. In this case, an “actor” is simply a person who does something – a participant in whatever activity is at hand.

This morning Facebook made note of these state-sponsored attacks. They suggested that users will be notified if Facebook is aware that they have become “targeted or compromised” by an individual that is “suspected on working on behalf of a nation-state.”

What can be done? What should I do?

You should change all of your passwords. As this warning doesn’t limit itself to Facebook, you’ve likely got something bad going on in your computer or your smartphone.

According to Facebook’s Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos, “Ideally, people who see this message should take care to rebuild or replace these systems if possible.”

This means people are intercepting your communication and business…. They very well may be reading your emails or more. Therefor you should reset your device, reset your passwords, and if you’re able, take some drastic actions.