In today’s digital age, where social media platforms are part of people’s lives, It’s essential and crucial to keep the security of social media accounts high as misusers are always looking for weak points to reach your data and steal your social media account.

Suppose you are worried about your Instagram account’s security and want to know how your Instagram account gets hacked. How can you boost your knowledge about the possible weak points of your Instagram account and avoid hackers misusing it and stealing it?

Follow us to this interesting essay, “How do Instagram accounts get hacked?” to learn how to protect your Instagram accounts from being stolen.

What is an Instagram hack & what are its types?

An Instagram hack refers to illegal access or manipulation of an Instagram account or the platform itself through various means.

Hacking can involve gaining access to someone else’s Instagram account without their permission, manipulating account settings, stealing personal information, or spreading malicious content.

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Here are some common types of Instagram hacks and how to avoid them:

Phishing: Phishing is a common method used by hackers to trick users into providing their login credentials. This can be done through fake emails, messages, or websites that mimic legitimate Instagram login pages and can lead to Instagram account hacks. Once users enter their login information, hackers can gain access to their accounts.

Avoid Phishing Attempts: Be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or websites that ask for your Instagram login credentials. Always verify the authenticity of the source before providing any sensitive information.

Brute Force Attacks: Brute force attacks involve using automated software to try different combinations of usernames and passwords until the correct one is found. Hackers use this method to crack weak passwords and gain access to Instagram accounts, which can lead to Instagram account hacks.

Use a Strong and Unique Password: Create a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words. Also, use a unique password for your Instagram account that you don’t use for any other online accounts.

Social Engineering: Social engineering techniques involve manipulating users into revealing sensitive information or granting access to their accounts, which can lead to Instagram account hacks. This can include copying someone trusted, misleading users into sharing their login credentials or gaining access to account recovery options.

Review Account Activity: Regularly review your Instagram account activity for any unauthorized logins or suspicious actions. Check for unrecognized devices or locations accessing your account and log out of inactive sessions.

Third-Party Apps: Some third-party apps or services claim to offer features that are not available on Instagram, such as analytics tools, follower tracking, or photo editing services, which can lead to Instagram account hacks. However, using these apps may compromise your account security by granting them access to your account information.

Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Only use trusted and reputable third-party apps and services that Instagram authorizes. Be wary of granting unnecessary permissions to apps that request access to your account.

Keylogging: Keylogging involves installing malicious software on a user’s device to record keystrokes and capture login credentials when users enter them, which can lead to Instagram account hacks. Hackers then use this information to gain unauthorized access to Instagram accounts.

Keep Your App and Device Updated: Make sure you regularly update the Instagram app on your device to patch any security vulnerabilities. Also, keep your device’s operating system and security software up to date to protect against malware and other threats.

Session Hijacking: Session hijacking occurs when a hacker intercepts and takes control of an active session between a user and Instagram. By exploiting vulnerabilities in the connection between the user’s device and Instagram’s servers, hackers can gain access to the user’s account and can have your Instagram account hacked.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any unusual activity on your account or suspect that it has been compromised, change your password immediately, revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps, and report the incident to Instagram for assistance.

Other steps to take to secure your Instagram account from being hacked:

Secure Your Email Account: Since your email is often linked to your Instagram account for password resets and notifications, ensure that your email account is also secure with a strong password and 2FA-enabled

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password. Enable 2FA in your Instagram settings for added protection.

Suppose you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked. In that case, you should immediately change your password, revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps, and report the incident to Instagram for further assistance.

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Why do hackers hack Instagram accounts?

Hackers may target Instagram accounts for various reasons, including:

Personal Gain: Some hackers may aim to steal personal information, such as credit card details or personal photos, to use for financial gain or to blackmail the account owner.

Spam and Scams: Hackers may use compromised accounts to spread spam, phishing links, or scams to a wider audience. This can help them generate revenue through fraudulent schemes.

Identity Theft: By gaining access to an Instagram account, hackers can impersonate the account owner and engage in activities that damage their reputation or deceive others for malicious purposes.

Data Mining: Hackers may target Instagram accounts to mine personal data, such as email addresses, phone numbers, or personal preferences, which can be sold on the dark web or used for targeted advertising.

Revenge or Harassment: In some cases, hackers may target Instagram accounts as a form of revenge or harassment against the account owner or someone associated with the account.

Hackers often target Instagram accounts of high-profile individuals, celebrities, influencers, and brands due to their large following and potential for financial gain or publicity.

These accounts can be more appealing to hackers as they can reach a larger audience and potentially cause more damage.

Additionally, accounts that share sensitive or valuable information, such as financial details or personal data, may also be targeted more frequently.

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Conclusion

To put it briefly, Instagram accounts can get hacked for malicious purposes, and it is crucial to take steps to secure them and avoid hackers gaining access to them and their sensitive data.

By securing your Instagram account, as mentioned in the essay, you can explore Instagram more effectively and privately.

Tell us about your experience on How Instagram accounts get hacked in the comments below.

Have you ever had your Instagram account hacked? What steps did you take afterward?

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