How To Stop Your Instagram From Being Hacked - Security Checklist

Instagram has become more than just a photo-sharing app. It's now a platform for communication, business, and influence.  With this popularity comes the risk of hacking and account takeovers. Getting your Instagram account hacked will definitely be a scary situation.

Securing your Instagram account is very important in order to protect your personal information, digital identity, and content from unauthorised organisation access and potential harm. If you are clueless about how to prevent Instagram hacking or what to do if you get hacked, this blog gives you a practical security checklist.

How To Keep Your Instagram Account Safe

Many people use Instagram daily to promote their personal and company brands to connect with family and friends. Instagram account security must be a top priority. 

Prevention is better than a cure. Here are some important steps to protect Instagram profile before anything goes wrong. 

    1. Strength your login credentials

As more users create Instagram accounts, more hacking attempts take place. The first reason to come here is a weak password. Strong Instagram passwords can help you secure your account from hackers. Avoid repeated passwords from other platforms. Never share your login details with third parties or unknown apps claiming to increase followers.

Tip: Use a combination of Upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

    2. Enable Two Factor Authentication

Instagram's Two-factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security for your account. It is a multi-process step that requires users to identify their ID through a security code. 

Even if someone gets your password, they will not be able to log in to your account without a code from your phone.

     3. Stay Cautious with Third-Party Apps and Devices

It is common to use Instagram as an authorised account to sign in to any third-party app like service, photo or video editing, games, and shopping. In this way, the third party may have access to your social media profile and account information. 

Make sure you log out each time you log in on a public or shared device. Which is why Instagram suggests “think before you authorize a third-party app.” 

    4. Watch out for phishing and fake messages

Hackers always pretend to be a supporter in an Instagram phishing scam through Direct Messages or Emails. For instance, they may say your account will be suspended until you verify something. 

Never click on an unauthorised or suspicious link. Instagram will never ask for sensitive information through DMs. Make sure you don't share any of your personal information through DMs to an unknown person.

     5. Regular review of Account Activity and settings

 Have a regular review of the Instagram security setting of your account. If you find an unfamiliar location or device accessing your account, change your password immediately. Also, have a strong privacy setting in your Account to have control over who can message, tag,  and interact with your profile.

    6. Backup and recovery

It is always important to prepare for the worst, even at the best. Even with a strong Instagram security checklist, sometimes your Instagram account can be hacked. In order to avoid the situation. It is always recommended to keep a backup of your posts and messages. 

Update your recovery info by ensuring your email and phone number are current and secure. Know how to report a hacked account at Instagram.com/hacked.

    7. Avoid public Wifi login

Avoid logging in to Instagram on public Wi-Fi networks like those in cafes, airports, or hotels. These places are often unsecured and can expose your login details to hackers. 

Instead, use mobile data whenever possible. Always log out of your Instagram account and clear browser history if you have accessed it on a public or shared network.

    8. Update your iOS and Android

You can avoid your Instagram account being hacked by keeping your operating system updated.  Ensure you are always using the updated version for your device by turning on automatic updates.

 Keep your Instagram updated as new updates bring better security and features, which will help you to get rid of hacking.

What To Do If Your Instagram Account Gets Hacked?

Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platform. There are more threats to online security and private information. When we talk about Instagram accounts being hacked, it means that your account is being hacked by someone, not yo,u or not authorised by you to access your account. 

You can't defend against hacking your accoun,t but you can educate yourself on what to do to secure your account with best security practice. If you suspect your Instagram account is hacked there are steps to recover and secure your account.

     1. Act quickly to regain access

The first question you ask yourself is, are you still able to log in to your account? If the answer is yes, immediately change your password.

If your password no longer works, use forget password and attempt to reset it with your recovery phone number or email 

    2. Report the Hack to Instagram immediately

Even after several attempts, you are not able to log in to your account, and your Instagram account is hacked. If you can’t recover your account yourself, visit the Instagram official page http://www.instagram.com/hacked and start the recovery process.

     3. Secure your email and linked Account

Sometimes the hackers may enter your Instagram account through email, not through the Instagram page. Immediately change your email password. Enable 2FA on your email account too. Run a malware scan on your phone to ensure there is no spyware.

     4. Revoke suspicious App Access and restore control

Once you're back into your Instagram account after recovery, restore your personal information, remove all unfamiliar and unauthorised apps. Update the recovery options like phone number and email. Make a change in your password and login ID.

     5. Alert your followers and stay vigilant

Alert your followers immediately through another platform or friend’s account. Let them know your Instagram is compromised to prevent scams. Report the hack to Instagram, reset your passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for added protection. Stay vigilant and act fast.

Conclusion

Your Instagram account holds more than just photos — it stores memories, messages, and meaningful connections. Don’t leave it vulnerable. By taking a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of being hacked." 

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