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Picture this: it's late on Saturday night, and you just got home from hanging out with your friends. Of course, you took many pictures to capture the memories of you and your loved ones having fun.
So, you want to post them to your IG account to share the joy. But when you open your Instagram account, you notice something isn't right. Could it be? Is your Instagram account hacked?
You run to your account settings and notice your login information has changed. You try to change your old password to a strong password immediately, but you notice that your secure email address isn't there anymore.
No need to panic! In this article, we'll walk you through how to get your hacked Instagram account.
Why Do People Hack an Instagram Account?
People hack Instagram accounts for various reasons, from personal motives to financial gain. Here are some common reasons why individuals might hack an Instagram account:
Financial Gain
- Selling the Account: Hacked accounts, especially those with a large following, can be sold on the black market.
- Phishing: Hackers can use your compromised Instagram account to send phishing messages to your followers to steal personal information or financial data.
- Scams and Fraud: Hackers can take over an account by impersonating a real person (you, the account owner) to scam followers out of money or personal information.
Personal Reasons
- Revenge or Harassment: Personal vendettas, such as jealousy or revenge, can motivate someone to try and gain access to your Instagram account.
- Spying: Someone might hack an account to spy on your private messages and activities.
Data Theft
- Personal Information: Hacking can provide access to sensitive personal information, which can be used for identity theft or other malicious activities.
This is especially dangerous if you have multiple linked accounts, as the amount of information available increases. - Contacts and Networks: Access to an account can expose the victim’s contacts, making targeting other people in their network easier.
Spreading Malicious Software
- Distributing Malware: Compromised accounts can be used to spread malicious links or software to the account owner’s followers.
Propaganda and Misinformation
- Spreading False Information: Hackers may use the account to post false information or propaganda to influence public opinion or create chaos.
- Political Motives: State-sponsored hackers might target accounts to influence political events or elections.
Advertising and Promotion
- Unauthorized Advertising: Hackers might post advertisements for products or services, earning money from clicks or sales.
Fun and Challenge
- Recreational Hacking: Some individuals hack accounts for the thrill or challenge, viewing it as a way to test their technical skills.
Social Engineering
- Building Credibility: A hacked account can be used to build credibility and trust within specific online communities, enabling further attacks.
Protecting your Instagram account through robust login information – a strong, unique password, enabling two-factor authentication – and being cautious about suspicious links and messages can help mitigate these risks and control access to your Instagram account. Let's get right into it!
How Can My Instagram Account Be Hacked?
Your Instagram account can be hacked in several ways, and it's essential to understand these methods to protect your account.
One common way is through phishing attacks, where hackers send fake emails or direct messages that appear to be from Instagram, asking for your login details or personal information. Clicking on malicious links in these messages can lead to your account being compromised.
Another method is through the use of dangerous software or suspicious third-party apps. These can gain access to your Instagram account details if you accidentally install them. Hackers can also use brute force attacks to guess your Instagram password, especially if it’s weak or commonly used.
You might also encounter scenarios where your email account is compromised. Since your email is often linked to your Instagram account, gaining access to your email can give hackers the ability to reset your Instagram password and take over your account.
Additionally, vulnerabilities in linked multiple accounts, such as Facebook accounts, can be exploited by hackers to gain access to your Instagram.
How Do I Know if My Instagram Was Hacked?
To know if your Instagram account is hacked, look for signs like unusual activity on your account, such as posts you didn't make, changes to your profile settings, or login notifications from unfamiliar locations.
If your account has been hacked, you might notice that you can’t log in or receive an email from Instagram notifying you of changes to your account details.
If you suspect your Instagram account was hacked, you should immediately check your account settings and login activity. Revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps and change your Instagram password.
Enable two-factor authentication for additional security, using methods like Google Authenticator or a secure email address to receive a security code. Instagram also supports using facial recognition or a video selfie for account verification.
How Do I Recover My Hacked Instagram Account?
If you can’t regain access to your account, visit the Instagram login screen and select the “Need more help?” option to send a support request.
Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include verifying your identity with a video selfie or receiving an auto-response email from Instagram support. You can also check Accounts Center for linked accounts and ensure they are secure.
If your account has been severely compromised and you haven't regained access, consider creating a new account and following Instagram's on-screen instructions to keep it safe.
Also, regularly review your account settings, use strong passwords, and be cautious of unusual activity to keep your Instagram account secure.
Help Someone Whose Account Has Been Hacked
According to Instagram's community guidelines, "Each of us is an important part of the Instagram community. If you see something that you think may violate our guidelines, please help us by using our built-in reporting option."
This also applies to a hacked Instagram account – if you notice unusual activity in the Instagram account of someone you know, don't hesitate to reach out to them and Instagram. Who knows, you might help someone keep their account safe or regain access if the account has been compromised already!
Keeping Your Account Secure: Best Practises
Here are some of the best practices everyone should know to maintain the safety of their accounts.
Use a Strong, Unique Password
- Avoid common passwords.
- Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Regularly update your password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- It adds an extra layer of security.
- A security code must be sent to your phone or email.
- Use authentication apps for better security.
Review and Manage Linked Apps
- Be cautious about linking third-party apps to your Instagram account.
- Regularly review and revoke access to apps you no longer use or that seem suspicious.
- Manage linked accounts through settings or the Accounts Center.
Monitor for Unusual Activity
- Regularly check your login activity for unauthorized logins.
- Look for unfamiliar changes to settings or posts.
- Change your password and enable 2FA if you notice any suspicious activity.
- Report suspicious activity to Instagram.
Beware of Phishing Attempts and Scams
- Verify the authenticity of messages claiming to be from Instagram.
- Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
- Send a support request directly to the support team if you're asked for sensitive information.
Stay Informed and Educated
- Review Instagram’s security features and best practices.
- Familiarize yourself with Instagram's policies and support resources.
- Stay informed about potential threats and how to counter them.
Most Memorable Instagram Hacks
Here are some of the most notable Instagram hacks and their consequences:
- Selena Gomez Hack (@selenagomez, 2017): Selena Gomez's Instagram account, one of the most followed at the time, was hacked in August 2017. The hackers posted explicit photos of her ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber.
This incident highlighted the vulnerability of high-profile accounts and led to increased scrutiny of Instagram’s security measures. It also caused embarrassment and distress for the individuals involved.
- Celebrity Hacks (2016): In 2016, several celebrities, including Chloe Grace Moretz, had their Instagram accounts hacked. Hackers posted unauthorized images and messages, leading to personal and reputational damage.
This wave of hacks emphasized the importance of strong passwords and two-factor authentication for account protection.
- 2019 Data Breach: In 2019, a significant data breach exposed the personal information of millions of Instagram influencers, celebrities, and brand accounts. The data included phone numbers and email addresses, potentially leading to phishing attacks and identity theft.
This breach underscored the risks of storing large amounts of personal data and the need for robust cybersecurity practices.
- Password Storage Issue (2019): Facebook, Instagram's parent company, revealed in 2019 that millions of Instagram passwords were stored in plain text on its servers.
Although there was no evidence that the passwords were misused, the incident raised serious concerns about data handling practices. It prompted Instagram to enforce stricter security protocols and password encryption methods.
Wrapping Up
Finding out your account has been hacked can feel like a total nightmare, but the good news is that recovering it is much simpler than you think!
Start by reporting the hack through Instagram’s “Report” feature and changing your password if you still have access. If you're locked out, use account recovery options like requesting a login link sent to your email or phone.
To stay safe, use strong passwords, enable 2F authentication, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing your login information.
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