We all know how important Instagram has become in our daily lives. It’s not just a photo-sharing app anymore, but a platform to connect with friends, family, and even businesses. However, with increased usage also comes the risk of being hacked.
No one wants to lose their precious memories or have their personal information exposed to strangers. That’s why in this article, we’ll be discussing some tips and tricks to protect your Instagram account from hackers. So, buckle up, and let’s get started right now.
Common methods used by hackers to gain access to Instagram account
Now, let’s talk about the common methods hackers use to get into your Instagram account.
First up, we have phishing scams. These are scams where the hackers send you a fake login page or a message asking you to click on a suspicious link, which then leads you to a page where they can steal your login credentials.
Next, we have weak passwords, which are easy for hackers to guess or crack.
Third-party apps are another way hackers can get into your account if you’ve given them permission to access your account.
And finally, there’s social engineering, which is where the hacker uses the information they’ve gathered about you from social media to trick you into giving up your login credentials.
These are just some of the methods hackers use, so it’s important to be aware of them to protect yourself.
Tips to protect your Instagram account from hacking
Now, let’s move on to the good stuff. Here are some tips and tricks to protect your Instagram account from hacking.
Enable two-factor authentication. This is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your account. Once it’s enabled, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email to log in to your account. This way, even if a hacker knows your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the code.
Use strong and unique passwords. Avoid using common phrases or personal information in your password. The stronger the password, the harder it is for hackers to guess or crack it. Also, never use the same password across multiple accounts. If a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they’ll have access to all of them.
A study on common passwords revealed that “123456” is still the most common password used around the globe. Using such passwords is a sure way of getting your account hacked. To avoid this, use long passwords with a mix of numbers, symbols, and letters.
Be wary of suspicious links and emails. Don’t click on links from unknown sources, and always double-check the sender’s email address before opening any attachments. These links may take you to a fake login page that’s designed to steal your login credentials. Always check the URL and make sure it’s a legitimate Instagram domain.
Avoid using third-party apps. Third-party apps can be dangerous and can compromise your account’s security. Be selective about which apps you give access to your account and revoke access to those that you no longer use. Instagram’s security team recommends only using trusted apps and not sharing your login credentials with them.
Regularly check and update privacy settings. Make sure you’re only sharing your information with people you trust. Be careful about what you post and who you allow to see it. Set your account to private if you only want to share your content with people you know.
Limit personal information on the profile. Be cautious about what you share in your bio or posts. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your phone number or address, as this can be used to steal your identity.
Be cautious of public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is not secure, and hackers can use it to gain access to your account. So, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your Instagram account. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
These tips are simple but can go a long way in protecting your account from potential hacks.
Additional steps to take if your account is hacked
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, your Instagram account may still get hacked. If this happens, there are some additional steps you should take to regain control of your account.
First, try to reset your password by clicking on “Forgot password?” on the login page. If you’re unable to reset your password, contact Instagram’s help center for assistance.
Next, report the hack to Instagram. If someone gains access to your account, visit this page on to secure your account.
Check your email account for a message from Instagram
If you got an email from [email protected] that says your email address was changed on Instagram, you might be able to change it back by clicking “secure my account” in that message. If your password was changed and now you can’t change your email address back, ask Instagram for a login link or security code.
You should also notify your followers through other channels that your account has been hacked, and that they should be cautious of any suspicious messages or activity.
Once you regain control of your account, take additional security measures to prevent future hacks. Change your password, enable two-factor authentication, and revoke access to any third-party apps that may have contributed to the hack.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to hacked accounts. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of regaining control of your account and preventing further damage.
Keep your account secure: Wrap up
Protecting your Instagram account from hacking is easier than you might think. By enabling two-factor authentication, using strong and unique passwords, being wary of suspicious links and emails, avoiding third-party apps, regularly checking and updating privacy settings, limiting personal information on your profile, and being cautious of public Wi-Fi, you can reduce the risk of your account being hacked.
But, if the worst does happen, take action immediately by resetting your password, reporting the hack to Instagram, notifying your followers, and taking additional security measures.
Remember, your Instagram account is a reflection of you and your personal brand, so it’s worth taking the time to secure it. Stay vigilant and follow these tips to keep your account safe from hackers.
