How to Secure Your Instagram Account: Fix 3 Big Vulnerabilities

Updated October 6, 2023
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Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, with over a billion monthly active users. But as popular as it is, Instagram is not without its fair share of security vulnerabilities. One of the biggest concerns is that Instagram is owned by Facebook, which has a well-documented history of collecting user data and selling it to third parties.

Another issue is that Instagram does not have an encryption feature, which means that your messages and photos are not private. Hackers have also been known to target Instagram users, and in some cases, they have been able to gain access to people’s accounts and spy iMessage then!

While some risks are associated with using Instagram, there are also ways to protect yourself. This blog post will look at three of the biggest Instagram security vulnerabilities and what you can do to protect your account.

Secure Instagram

3 Security Vulnerabilities on Instagram

Like any other social media platform, certain security risks are associated with using Instagram. However, three of them stand out as being particularly problematic.

We’ve collected some tips on protecting yourself from each of these vulnerabilities.

1. Lack of Two-Factor Authentication

One of the biggest security vulnerabilities on Instagram is the lack of two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your username and password when logging in. This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account, even if they have your login credentials.

To enable 2FA on Instagram, go to your profile settings and select “Two-Factor Authentication.” From there, you can choose to receive your 2FA codes via text message or an authenticator app. We recommend using an authenticator app like Authy or Google Authenticator, as they are more secure than text messages.

Note: If you lose your phone or delete the authenticator app, you need to disable 2FA and re-enable it using a backup code. Be sure to store your backup code in a safe place!

2. Weak Passwords

Another big security vulnerability on Instagram is weak passwords. A weak password is any password that can be easily guessed by hackers, such as “123456” or “password.” Hackers can use specialized software to quickly guess thousands of common passwords until they find one that works.

To create a strong password that will be hard for hackers to guess, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or personal information like your birthdate or address. And never reuse passwords across multiple accounts!

Note: If you think your Instagram account may have been hacked, you can change your password by going to the settings menu. Simply click the “Edit Profile” button, scroll down to “Change Password,” and follow the instructions.

3. Phishing Scams

Phishing is another common way hackers try to access people’s Instagram accounts. In a phishing scam, hackers will send you a mail or text from “official Instagram”. The message will usually say that there’s been some kind of problem with your account and prompt you to tap on a link to log in and fix it.

But when you open the link, you’re taken to a fake website designed by the hacker. This fake website looks identical to the real Instagram login page, but the URL will be slightly different. The hacker will access your account if you enter your username and password on this fake page.

Always double-check the URL before entering your login information to avoid falling for a phishing scam.  Ensure you’re on the actual Instagram website (instagram.com) and not a fake copycat site. Also, be wary of any emails or messages purporting to be from Instagram; if something looks fishy, it probably is!

Note: If you do happen to enter your login information on a fake website, change your password immediately. Also, be sure to enable two-factor authentication on your account so that even if a hacker gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without having your phone.

If Your Account Is Already Hacked.

If you think your account has already been hacked, you should first change your password. If you can’t log in because the hacker changed your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number. Once you’re back in, be sure to enable two-factor authentication!

You can contact Instagram’s customer support if you’re still having trouble. They can help you recover your account. To do so, go to the Help Center and tap “Report a Problem.”

You can choose “Something’s Not Working” and “I think my account was hacked.” You’ll then be able to get in touch with customer support. Remember that it may take a while to hear back, so be patient.

Conclusion

Instagram may be fun and easy to use, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a powerful tool that can be used for good or for ill. Hackers are always looking for new ways to gain access to people’s accounts, so it’s important to be aware of the latest security vulnerabilities and take steps to protect yourself accordingly.

Following the tips in this blog post can help keep your account safe from hackers. Ensure that you have a strong, unique password for your Instagram account and enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security. Be aware of the latest scams and be cautious about clicking on links or sharing personal information with people you don’t know.

If you suspect that your account has been hacked, take action immediately to secure it and report the incident to Instagram. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your account safe and enjoy using Instagram without worry.

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