Protect Your Instagram From Being Hacked?
Now that we have discussed the various ways in which your Instagram account can be hacked, let us focus on the solution. Fortunately, safeguarding your account from unauthorized access is not a complex task. It simply requires a few simple steps to activate security features and exercising caution.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
The initial line of defense against Instagram hacking is to enable two-factor authentication, commonly known as 2FA. This feature adds an extra layer of protection by generating a unique one-time password (OTP) after entering your password.
Even if your password falls into the wrong hands, having 2FA enabled on your Instagram account ensures that the intruder will still need to input the OTP from your mobile device to gain access. If you require assistance, we have a helpful guide on how to enable 2FA on your Instagram (and other social media accounts).
Regularly Verify Your Credentials
As previously mentioned, using the same password for multiple services puts all your accounts at risk if it is compromised in one place. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to periodically check if any of your accounts have been exposed in a data breach.
Most password managers and web browsers have this feature integrated, but the most straightforward method to verify if a specific password has been compromised is by utilizing Have I Been Pwned. This platform keeps track of data breaches and leaked passwords. To assist you further, we have provided a comprehensive guide on how to utilize Have I Been Pwned to check for leaked passwords.
In the event that you discover your Instagram password has been leaked, it is crucial to promptly change it to a newer and stronger password. This will help prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Additionally, we recommend using unique passwords for each website or social account you have. Although it may seem tedious, this practice is essential for ensuring the utmost security for your accounts.
Having distinct passwords for each account, especially your social media accounts, is crucial for maintaining their security in the event of a breach. If you struggle to remember multiple passwords, consider utilizing password managers tailored to your needs.
Avoid Using Third-Party Applications
Despite the appealing features offered by third-party apps, it is advisable to refrain from using them. By utilizing such apps, you are essentially entrusting your account activities and data to a third party, namely the developer of the app.
Even if you have confidence in the developer, these apps are susceptible to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. For a more in-depth understanding of MITM attacks, we have a comprehensive explanation available. In essence, these attacks involve intercepting your data as it travels to the servers of an official app or website, enabling hackers to compromise your account.
How to Restore a Hacked Instagram Account
In case your account has already been hacked, Instagram does provide a
way to regain access to it. First, if your account still has the
original username, email address, or phone number linked to it, you can
try to reset your password via the forgot password option on the login
page.
In the event your account is hacked, and the hacker has changed the username, email address, and/or phone number you used to log in, head over to Instagram's support section and follow the steps on-screen.
Instagram should send you a login link that might require you to take a video selfie. This is done to ensure only you can regain access to your account. Once the verification is complete, you should be able to reset your password and get your account back.
