Having your LINE account hijacked by an unauthorized third party is a serious security breach. It can lead to the spread of fraudulent messages requesting money, as well as the leak of sensitive personal information and chat history. The primary causes are “password reuse” and sophisticated “phishing scams.”
In this article, we explain the specific tactics used by hackers and provide a detailed “Emergency Response and Account Recovery Guide.” We also outline “Definitive Preventive Measures” to ensure you never become a victim again. Let’s protect your LINE account and your friends now.
Main Causes of LINE Account Hijacking
Hackers typically gain access to your login credentials (phone number, password, etc.) through the following methods:
| Tactic | Description |
| 1. Password Reuse | Reusing passwords from other SNS or E-commerce sites. If those services leak data, hackers use the leaked info to break into your LINE account. |
| 2. Phishing Scams | You receive a fake message pretending to be from LINE “Official,” leading you to a fake site where you are tricked into entering your credentials for “Account Linkage” or “Emergency Verification.” |
| 3. PIN Code Leaks | Unauthorized use of the 4-digit PIN code used during account transfers (Note: risk has decreased due to enhanced security, but caution is still required). |
| 4. Malicious App Linking | Granting account access (linking) to untrustworthy third-party apps or tools, allowing them to steal login information. |
| 5. Device Theft or Loss | An unauthorized person gains physical access to a logged-in device and exploits the account. |
Emergency Response: What to Do Immediately
If you notice signs of a hack (messages sent without your knowledge or being unable to log in), take the following steps immediately:
Step 1: Reset Your Password (Highest Priority)
- Reset Immediately: Go to the LINE login screen, tap “Forgot password?” enter your registered email or phone number, and urgently set a new, strong password.
- Update Other Services: If you were reusing that password for other services, change those passwords immediately as well.
Step 2: Block Unauthorized Access
- Log Out Other Devices: Go to Settings → Account → Devices currently logged in. If you see a PC or tablet you don’t recognize, tap “Log out.”
- Disable Login Permissions: Go to Settings → Account and toggle “Allow login” to OFF. This temporarily prevents anyone from logging in via a PC or iPad.
Step 3: Report to LINE Management
- Use the Contact Form: Go to the official “LINE Contact Form,” select “Unauthorized Access/Hijacking,” and report the situation in detail. This allows LINE to suspend the account and investigate.
- Notify Your Friends: Use other communication methods (Phone, Email, other SNS) to warn your friends that your account has been hacked and to ignore any messages coming from your LINE account.
💡 Prevention: Ultimate Security Reinforcement
Implement these layers of security to prevent future attacks:
- Register a Strong Password and Email (MANDATORY):
- Unique Password: Use a hard-to-guess password (including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols) that is NOT used for any other service.
- Email Registration: Ensure an active email is registered under Settings → Account so you can recover your account in an emergency.
- Disable Account Transfer Settings:
- Keep “Allow account transfer” (under Settings → Account transfer) toggled OFF. Only turn it on during the 36-hour window when you are actually switching phones.
- Beware of Suspicious Messages (CRITICAL):
- Never share credentials: Any SMS or email pretending to be from LINE asking for your password or verification code is a PHISHING SCAM. Never click the URL or enter your info.
- Audit Linked Services: Review and revoke access for any third-party apps you no longer use or don’t fully trust.
By following these measures, you can significantly enhance your LINE security and minimize the risk of hijacking.
