Instagram hacked: everything you need to know

On February 26, Instagram announced that a security breach had led to the exposure of some user data. While the breach has since been fixed, it’s still a good reminder to be vigilant about security online. In this blog post, we’ll go over what happened, what data was exposed, and what you can do to […]

Posted - October 11, 2022

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On February 26, Instagram announced that a security breach had led to the exposure of some user data. While the breach has since been fixed, it’s still a good reminder to be vigilant about security online. In this blog post, we’ll go over what happened, what data was exposed, and what you can do to protect yourself.

How to know if your Instagram has been hacked

If you're concerned that your Instagram account may have been hacked, there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for. First, check to see if your profile picture has been changed. If it has, and you didn't do it yourself, that's a strong indication that someone else has access to your account.

Next, take a look at the posts on your feed. If there are any unusual or out-of-character posts, or if you see posts that you don't remember posting yourself, then again, this is likely indicative of a hack.

Finally, check your account settings. If any of the information in there has been changed - for example, if your email address has been changed - then this is another clear sign that someone else has gained access to your account and is in the process of trying to take it over.

If you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change your password immediately. Once you've done that, contact Instagram directly so they can investigate the situation and help secure your account against further intrusion.

What to do if your Instagram account has been hacked

If you think your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change your password and log out of all devices.

Then, go to the Instagram Help Center and report the issue. Be sure to include as much information as possible, such as when you noticed the hack, what happened (e.g., lost access to your account, strange messages or posts), and whether you think any personal information may have been compromised.

The next step is to contact Instagram's support team directly. You can do this by going to the Contact Us page and selecting "I think my account was hacked" from the drop-down menu. Again, be sure to include as much detail as possible in your message.

Instagram will then investigate and take appropriate action, which may include resetting your password, restoring access to your account, and/or taking action against the person who hacked you.

How to prevent your Instagram account from being hacked

If you're concerned about your Instagram account being hacked, there are some steps you can take to help prevent it. First, be sure to choose a strong password, and don't use the same password for multiple accounts. You should also enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Keep an eye on what apps have access to your account and revoke access to any that you don't recognize or trust. Finally, be careful about the links you click on and the information you share online. If something seems suspicious, don't hesitate to reach out to Instagram's support team for help.

How to know if your Instagram has been hacked

If you think your Instagram account has been hacked, the first thing you should do is change your password and then log out of all devices. If you can't log into your account, visit Instagram's Help Center to report the issue.

To change your password:

Go to the login page and click Forgot Password. Enter the email address, phone number, or username associated with your account, then click Send Login Link. Open the reset password email from Instagram and enter a new password. Confirm your new password by entering it again.

Once you've changed your password, be sure to log out of any devices that may have been logged into your account without your permission. To do this:

Open the Instagram app on your device and tap Log Out. Tap Log Out again to confirm. Go to instagram.com on a web browser and click Log Out at the top right of the screen. Click Log Out again to confirm.

If you're still having trouble logging into your account, visit Instagram's Help Center for more information on how to recover your account.

Suspicious links sent to your followers via your DMs

If you've been hacked, it's likely that your Instagram account is being used to send suspicious links to your followers via Direct Messages. This is a common tactic used by hackers to spread malware and phishing scams. If you receive a suspicious link from someone you know, do not click on it. Instead, report it to Instagram immediately.

Changed details such as your email address and phone number.

If your Instagram account has been hacked, one of the first things you should do is change your email address and phone number. This will help to prevent the hacker from being able to access your account again.

You can change your email address and phone number in the settings section of your Instagram account. To change your email address, go to settings and then click on the “Edit Profile” button. From here, you can change your email address. To change your phone number, go to settings and then click on the “Account” tab. From here, you can change your phone number.

It’s important to remember to also update your recovery contact information if you have changed your email address or phone number. This way, if you ever forget your password or lose access to your account, you will still be able to recover it. To update your recovery contact information, go to settings and then click on the “Security” tab. From here, you can add or update your recovery contact information.

How can users protect themselves in the future?

Users can protect themselves in the future by taking a few simple steps. First, they should never click on links in Instagram DMs that they don't recognize. Second, they should be careful about what information they share on Instagram and other social media platforms. Third, they should enable two-factor authentication on their accounts to add an extra layer of protection. Finally, they should keep their software up to date and run regular malware scans.

Conclusion

If you were one of the unlucky ones affected by the recent Instagram hack, don't worry — we've got you covered. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know, from what to do if your account was hacked to how to prevent it from happening in the future. We also provide some helpful resources for regaining control of your account and protecting your personal information.