How not to get hacked on instagram
How to Protect Your Instagram Account from Being Hacked
Getting your Instagram account hacked can certainly be a scary situation, especially if your income depends on it to make sales and generate leads.
So what can you do to protect your Instagram account from being hacked?
Well, the best defense is a strong offence! We’re sharing 4 ways to keep your account secure — as well as what to do if your Instagram account gets hacked.
How to Protect Your Instagram Account From HackersPick a Strong Password
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication
Make Sure Your Email Account Is Secure
Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps
As more users create Instagram’s accounts, more hacking and phishing attempts take place.
And the number one culprit? A weak password.
According to Victor Gevers, a security researcher at the GDI Foundation, you should use auto-generated password and a password manager for further protection.
“You don’t want the hassle of trying to remember it yourself,” explains Gevers. “There are password managers which allow you access to your passwords on a desktop computer, mobile phone, and even when you are not connected to the Internet.”
It’s also a good idea to use a unique password for each of your accounts, as this makes it harder for hackers to gain access to all of your information.
Once you’ve landed on a potential password, plug it into How Secure Is My Password for a final check — this will tell you if your password is strong enough to withstand a hacking attempt.
TIP: Always vet the legitimacy of emails you receive (the sender’s name, email address, URL they link to) and never give your password to someone you don’t know or trust to protect yourself from potential phishing attacks.
Step #2: Turn on Two-Factor AuthenticationTwo-factor authentication adds an additional layer of defense against hackers.
How does it work? It’s a multi-step process that requires users to verify their identity via a security code.
This way, if you log into Instagram from an unrecognized device, you’ll be prompted to enter the code and confirm it’s you.
To turn on two-factor authentication in Instagram, head to your Settings and tap “Two-Factor Authentication.”
Tap “Get Started”, and you’ll have two options to choose from: “Authentication App (recommended)” and “Text Message”.
Option #1: Authentication App
The “Authentication App (recommended)” option is a third-party authentication app.
If you already have an authentication app installed, Instagram will automatically find the app and send a code to it. You’ll need to retrieve the code, enter it on Instagram, and two-factor authentication will turn on.
If you don’t have an authentication app, Instagram will recommend one that you can download before completing the process.
Option #2: Text Message
If your account doesn’t have a confirmed phone number, you’ll be asked to enter one. Once you’ve entered your phone number, tap the “Next” button.
Now when you log into your Instagram account from an unknown device, you’ll be prompted to enter a security code that you receive by SMS.
TIP: Watch out for suspicious Instagram DMs and never share your personal details. Instagram recently shared a warning through the @creators account about a rise in Instagram phishing attempts.
Step #3: Make Sure Your Email Account Is SecureJust think about it, your Instagram account — and many others! — is linked to your email account. If someone has access to one, they have access to all. Scary stuff.
In a recent survey, 22% of Internet users say their online accounts have been hacked at least once, while 14% reported they were hacked more than once.
Source: Statista
So with this in mind, it’s a good idea to secure your email with two-factor authentication or email encryption. These easy deterrents can go a long way to protect your Instagram account from the hands of hackers.
Step #4: Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party AppsIt’s common to use Instagram as an authorized account to sign in to third-party apps like dating services, games, and photo editing tools.
But did you know that even if you haven’t used said third-party apps in weeks, months, or even years, they may have access to your social media profile and account information?
And if their database is targeted, your details are up for grabs. Which is why Instagram suggests to “think before you authorize a third-party app.”
To manage your third-party apps, open your Instagram profile on your desktop computer, click the settings button, and then click on “Apps and Website”
Here you’ll find a list of apps that you’ve authorized access to. If you notice any suspicious apps, you can easily click the “Revoke Access” or “View and edit” button.
NOTE: Later is an official member of the Instagram Partner Program. If you have any questions about our privacy policy, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
How to Recover a Hacked Instagram AccountIf you suspect your Instagram account has been hacked or compromised, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.
Watch this quick YouTube video or follow the steps below to regain access to your account.
Check Your Email Account for a Message From Instagram
Request a Login Link From Instagram
Request a Security Code or Support from Instagram
If you received an email from Instagram — aka, [email protected] — letting you know that your email address was changed, you may be able to undo this by using the “revert this change” option in that message.
Step #2: Request a Login Link from InstagramIf additional information was also changed (like your password), you should request a login link from Instagram. Here’s how to do it:
On the login screen, tap “Forgot password” (for iOS) or “Get help logging in” (for Android).
You’ll be taken to the “Trouble Logging In?” (iOS) or “Login help” (Android) page.
Then tap “Send Login Link” (iOS) or “Next” (Android) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Enter a secure email address that only you can access. Once you’ve submitted your request, be on the lookout for an email from Instagram with next steps.
Step #3: Request a Security Code or Support from InstagramIf you’re unable to recover your Instagram account by following the above steps, you can report a hacked Instagram account.
Tap the “Help Us Recover Your Account” screen. This time, instead of requesting the security code, select “I can’t access this email or phone number.”
On the next page, fill in the form with your account details, select “My account was hacked” and click “Request Support.”
Once you submit your request, you should receive an auto-response email from the Security Team at Instagram asking you to help verify your identity. You’ll be asked for one or both of the following:
A photo of yourself holding a paper with a handwritten code Instagram has provided you.
The email address or phone number you signed up with and the type of device you used at the time of sign up (example: iPhone, Android, iPad, other).
For brands and creators on Instagram, keeping your account safe has never been more crucial.
And while there’s no 100% guaranteed way to stop your account from getting hacked, you can make it a whole lot harder for hackers by following these simple steps.
Stay up to date with all the latest Instagram trends and security updates. Sign up to Later’s weekly email newsletter today!
Instagram Hacked: What to do & how to prevent it
Contents
- How to know if your Instagram has been hacked
- What to do if your Instagram account has been hacked
- How your Instagram can be hacked
- How to prevent your Instagram account from being hacked
How to know if your Instagram has been hacked
Your Instagram can be hacked. Depending on the source, between 20-25% of all social media accounts can expect to be compromised at some point. That's why it's a good idea to understand some of the signs that your Instagram may have been hacked.
- You can’t log in to your account but you’re 100% sure the credentials are correct.
- There are images on your account that you haven’t uploaded.
- You realize you’re following profiles you don’t recognize.
- Strange activity, such as spam appearing on your feed.
- Suspicious links sent to your followers via your DMs.
- Changed details such as your email address and phone number.
What to do if your Instagram account has been hacked
One billion people use Instagram every month, making it a tempting target for any hacker. If you’ve noticed that something weird is happening to your account, don't waste time searching, “my Instagram was hacked”. Follow these tips to keep your account secure:
- Change your Instagram password.
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
- Report the Account Hacking to Instagram.
- Check Your Login Activity.
- Revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps.
- Make sure your phone number and email address in account settings are correct.
- Use Instagram Account Recovery. (If you cannot login to your account)
When somebody attempts to change your Instagram password or email, the app will send you a confirmation message. You can revert this change and prevent the attacker from taking over your profile.
To recover your stolen account, tap Get help signing in (Android) or Forgot password? (iOS) on the login screen and follow the instructions. If you're still unable to recover your account, report the issue to Instagram. Once they contact you, verify your identity.
Check out our brief video on protecting your Instagram account below.
How your Instagram can be hacked
Whether or not your Instagram was hacked, it's worth understanding some of the ways how this might happen. Unfortunately, we can't cover every possible attack, but we can share some of the more common or easy-to-prevent cases out there:
- MITM attacks: When using unsecured Wi-Fi, a man-in-the-middle attack can give an attacked the chance to steal your password or other information you transmit.
- Bait and switch attack: Be careful if you ever receive a link taking you to an Instagram log-in page. It could be a scammer's site set up to look like Instagram. When you enter your username and password, they'll get a hold of them for themselves.
- Facebook link vulnerability: Many users like to link their Facebook and Instagram accounts, since both apps are owned by Meta. This can be convenient, but it also means that if anyone breaks into your Facebook, they'd gain access to your Instagram as well.
There are too many potential avenues of attack to list them all. Your best bet is to read our blog and educate yourself about cybersecurity threats.
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How to prevent your Instagram account from being hacked
- Avoid connecting to Instagram via Facebook: Many people use Facebook to log in to Instagram and other apps, which is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
If your Facebook credentials get exposed, a hacker can seize all your related accounts in the blink of an eye. Create individual logins for every account you have — this might save you a lot of trouble in the future. - Always use a strong password: A strong password should include letters, numbers, and special characters. For maximum Instagram security, we recommend trying a password manager: it generates strong passwords for you and keeps them secure. And don’t forget to change your passwords from time to time, as this is one of the best practices of cyber hygiene.
- Keep your password to yourself: Don't share your Instagram password with anyone. Even if you trust them, they might make mistakes that will leave you vulnerable without wanting to hurt you.
- Monitor your login activity: Instagram sends notifications via email when someone tries to log in to your account from an unexpected location or IP address. You might trigger these warnings when using a VPN, but don't ignore them.
One day, they might clue you in if someone is trying to access your account. That would be a good opportunity to change your password! Watch out for phishing: As we mentioned earlier, phishing is a common way for scammers to gain access to people's accounts. Before entering your Instagram password anywhere, triple-check to make sure that the login link is legitimate.
Phishing links can also be used to deliver malware, and NordVPN's Threat Protection feature can help you here. It will stop you from landing on malicious websites and will also stop malicious ads and trackers. It can protect your from cyber threats before they hit your device.
- Don’t talk to strangers: It’s easy to fall for a phishing attack and or a scam on Instagram, so never click on any links received from strangers. If you see that a suspicious account has followed you, block it.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication is an additional step in the login process.
Every time you want to access your account, you must type a code you received via SMS or an authentication app. While this might seem like drudgery and may take more time to log in, it’s worth enabling, as it adds an extra layer of security. - Delete your Instagram account: This might not be the right choice for some readers, but if you're on the fence already, one possible solution is to simply delete your Instagram account. Reducing your security and data footprint is only one reason why some people choose this option.
- Make your Instagram private: You can easily make this change from your Instagram “Privacy” settings.
- Protect your Instagram data from third-party apps: You can stop third-party apps getting your data from your Instagram “Security” settings.
- Avoid viewing Instagram posts on other platforms: Various online articles often contain embedded Instagram videos and pictures. Clicking on these redirects you to the original post.
Be careful with those links — hackers sometimes set up fake Instagram login pages to take over your password. If you have a feeling that the website you’re browsing might be shady, don’t click on any links and avoid logging in to your account. Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, providing you with the digital privacy we all need so badly.
NordVPN is an easy-to-use app that works across different platforms and protects you from snoopers. It helps to secure your data and avoid man-in-the-middle attacks commonly used to intercept users’ credentials.
Conclusion
Instagram is just as vulnerable as nearly any other site or app we use every day. Therefore, the best defense goes beyond any Instagram-specific defense. Maintain proper device, password, and internet security and your Instagram will remain secure along with everything else you do online. You can get started by downloading NordVPN.
Online security starts with a click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
Get NordVPN
Learn More
How to protect your Instagram account from hacking (9 simple rules) - Social networks on vc.ru
Has anyone encountered the problem of account hacking? Unfortunately, in this case, it is difficult to return the account, and sometimes it is almost impossible. So how do you protect your account from being hacked?
61 234 views
Regulation 1
Link your account to your current mobile phone, email, personal Facebook account.
Regulation 2
Enable two-factor authentication. "Settings" → "Security" → "Two-factor authentication". After enabling this feature, you will receive codes via SMS or the app to confirm actions.
Enabling two-factor authentication on Instagram Yuliya Toloknova
Rule 3
Create a complex password using letters, numbers, and symbols.
Regulation 4
Prevent third party applications from accessing your account. "Settings" → "Security" → "Apps and sites". This tab will display a list of applications associated with the profile. Disable everything you don't need.
Installing a denial of access supporter applications to Instagram account Julia Toloknova
Regulation 5
Remove access from former employees, unlink them from your business profile. If the SMM manager worked only with Instagram under your credentials, it will be enough just to change the password. If he has access to the Instagram account through the associated Facebook page of the company, revoke it through the "Page Roles" tab. The tab is hidden very well, not everyone can find it the first time. Catch the fucking instructions.
Step 1. Log into Facebook and open your business page. Click "Settings".
Julia Toloknova
Step 2.
In the "Settings" section, click on "Page Roles".
Step 3. Scroll down the page.
Julia Toloknova
Step 4. Examine the "Existing roles on the page" and keep only those that are needed.
Julia Toloknova
Step 5. Delete the selected person.
Julia Toloknova
Regulation 6
Periodically check your authorizations in Settings → Security → Account Logins. If you see incomprehensible locations in the list, change your password immediately - perhaps someone else is using your account.
Check authorization in your Instagram account Julia Toloknova
Rule 7
Hide your online status. "Settings" → "Privacy" → "Network status". The function works both ways - with a hidden network status, you will not be able to follow the online of other users.
Hide your online status on Instagram Julia Toloknova
Rule 8
Do not use Masfollowing, Massliking, Maslooking, etc.
services in your promotion. These things don't work anymore!
Rule 9
Be vigilant! Don't follow unfamiliar links. Not in the mail, not in direct!
What problems did you face on Instagram?
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How to protect your Instagram account from being hacked
Hello everyone. I am the marketing manager for Picalytics Instagram analytics and I decided to write an article for marketers and business owners, because in my work I encounter banal non-compliance with safety precautions several times a week.
Let's say you spent time and money promoting your account, fine-tuned your direct sales process, and got loyal customers. In the morning, you open Instagram to launch a promotion and... you can't log in to your account. In this article, you will learn about the “prevention” of hacking and what to do if your account is stolen.
Account hijacked as usual
You can sign up for Instagram via email, Facebook or phone number. With access to your smartphone (and therefore Facebook, mail), it is easy to access all the services associated with them. Therefore, they steal accounts through these "entry points".
First of all, check the relevance and security of the services linked to your account. Then make sure that you have not specified the mail associated with the account in the contact methods.
And one more thing: you don't store access in Google Docs or notes on your smartphone, do you?
In addition to mail and phone theft, the most common hacking option is phishing (gaining access) to an account directly:
1. Cloned phishing
This is the usual copying of mail and official letters from Instagram. In this case, the attacker sends a letter that looks as close as possible to a letter from Instagram - both in interface design and in the sender's address.
The screenshots below show examples of emails from Instagram.
The role address can be different - you need to pay attention to the domain name (the part after @).
This is how a letter from scammers looks like.
Cloned phishing is designed for inattentive people and novice account administrators. Therefore, look both ways when you follow unknown links.
Business stories and useful tips
2. Access through third party applications and services
As a rule, these are photo editors, promotion automation, auto-posting, direct web versions, and so on.
Phishing apps are not tested by Google Play and AppStore. Such services, when registering, request access to an account or imitate authorization through Instagram.
Do not be afraid of authorization in third-party services: some options are not possible without access to an account.
Remember: authorization through Instagram takes place in a new tab on the official website of Instagram.
To check the list of applications that have access to your account, go to the application settings and click "Access Management". You have logged in to these applications through Instagram and can revoke access to your account from them.
If you have lost your smartphone or tablet with access to your account, change the password for Instagram and the service linked to it (mail or Facebook) as soon as possible.
In most cases, small Instagram accounts are hacked to be sold to third parties. On average, such "dead souls" cost $0.3-0.5.
In our experience with Instagram tech support, there is no relationship between account size (or ad budget) and response speed.
For example, after a major advertising campaign, we saw a duplicate account using our trademark (and this is a serious violation) and wrote to technical support. There has been no response from Instagram for three weeks.
But there are exceptions to the rule.
How to get your account back after being hacked
Try to react quickly. If you are still you can enter to your account, change the password from the linked services (mail and / or Facebook). Then enable two-factor authentication.
If you can't log in to your account over , try resetting your password via mail, Facebook or phone number. Upon successful login, enable two-factor authentication.
If you do not receive notifications from Instagram when resetting your password and cannot log in via Facebook (if it was connected), then your account was linked to another mail, and also unlinked from Facebook and a phone number (if if they were connected).
In this case, we recommend that you send a request to Instagram support:
- Click "Forgot Password".
- Open the login page in the Instagram mobile app;
- Enter your nickname, email and phone number associated with your account.
Instagram can substitute the number of the SIM card currently in the phone in the phone number field - this is not always the number associated with the account.
By the way, we never received a magic link via SMS, despite the fact that the accounts were linked to a phone number.
If you did not receive a letter to your address or your nickname was changed, repeat the previous paragraph by entering both nickname and mail.
If you can't find your account using your old nickname anymore, look in your inbox for emails from Instagram. Didn't receive any information about the account change? Ask a friend to find out your current nickname through the history of correspondence in direct or from comments previously left on your behalf.
If you succeeded in logging in, change the password for your account and associated services (mail and/or Facebook). Then enable two-factor authentication.
What should I do if the login fails?
1.
On the password recovery page, click "Need more help?" and enter all the requested information. Check the box next to "My account has been hacked". Send a request and wait for a response to the specified mail.
2. If you do not receive a response within a few days, repeat the request by checking the box next to "I forgot the mail associated with my account."
What to do with a nickname after being hacked
If you managed to regain access to your account, you can change your nickname to any free one. Including your old nickname, if it has been changed.
In some cases, the condition for restoring access to the account by Instagram may be a change of nickname. In this situation, we recommend using a nickname that is as close as possible to the previous one: for example, add a dot or underscore.
If your account has been deleted, you can create a new account with the same email address, but you may not be able to use your old username.
What not to do
- Offer scammers a reward or agree to buy the account back.
Most likely, the account will not be returned or you will be asked to pay extra (and pay a little more). - Show high activity immediately after the restoration of access to the account.
Conclusion
Hacking an account without the help of its owner is a difficult task. Don't let a moment of inattention deprive you of months of work on your account.
How to insure your account:
- Check the security and relevance of services related to Instagram.
- Change the password to a secure one. Use unique alphanumeric combinations with different case. Change your password regularly - at least once every 2-3 months.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Do not log in from public Wi-Fi and do not save the password in the browser.
- Do not indicate in the header of the account the mail or phone number by which the account was registered.
- In case of suspicion, immediately change the password for the account and all services associated with it.
