How to Protect Your Instagram Account From Hackers

As an Instagram creator or brand, your account is one of your most valuable assets. While no account is 100% safe from hackers, you can do a few simple things to reduce your risk of getting hacked.

Setting a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication are the first steps to protecting your account. From there, it’s important to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Set a Strong Password

Whether your Instagram account is for your business or personal use, it contains valuable information hackers want to access. They can steal private messages and even repost or comment on your account with damaging content that tarnishes your brand.

To protect your Instagram account from hackers, start with a strong password that meets Instagram’s minimum character requirement of 16 characters and consists of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords and predictable patterns that hackers can easily guess. You can also enable two-factor authentication to secure your account further.

Changing your password regularly and not saving it in browsers or applications is also essential. If you do, a cybercriminal can access your account and potentially control your social media presence. Also, remove any apps you no longer use from your account to prevent unauthorized access if a hacker compromised those third-party apps.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Whether you’re an individual creator or a business brand, your Instagram account represents a valuable asset. Protecting your content from hackers and taking other necessary precautions to keep your account secure is essential.

One of the best ways to do this is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). With this feature turned on, you’ll be required to enter a unique code sent to your phone (via SMS or an authenticator app) when you log in from a new device. This extra step will help prevent unauthorized logins, even if your password or login information is compromised.

Another great way to stay protected is to check your account for suspicious activity regularly. Unfamiliar posts, messages, or comments are all strong indicators of hacking, so be sure to pay close attention. It would be best if you also were wary of any sudden changes to your account, such as a change to your username or bio.

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Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Emails

If you notice a photo or story you didn’t post appearing on your Instagram account or receive a direct message asking you to click a link, that may be a sign of a hack. It’s also a good idea to scan your computer for malware.

Another way to protect yourself is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Instagram account. This will require a time-sensitive verification code sent to your phone or authenticator app and your password when you log in. This will prevent hackers from accessing your account even if they get your username and password.

Changing your password frequently and not reusing the same password across multiple accounts is also a good idea. Additionally, do not save your passwords in browsers or apps, as that can make it easier for hackers to access your other accounts. To be extra safe, try an identity theft protection service to monitor your finances and alert you of suspicious activity. It’s like an insurance policy for your digital life!

Avoid Third-Party Apps

A hacked Instagram account can be every creator’s worst nightmare. Years of work building a following, brand deals in the pipeline and priceless content can be lost with a single click from a lousy actor.

In addition to using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), you should avoid connecting third-party apps to your account. This will prevent the bad actors from accessing your Instagram profile and stealing your data.

If you see suspicious activity on your account or the email address linked to it has been changed, this is a sign that you may have been hacked. To regain control of your account, head over to Instagram’s help page and follow the steps to get a login link sent to you.

The most important thing is to stay vigilant and educated about protecting your Instagram account from hackers. Remember that not only your Instagram account but also all of the other online accounts connected to it are at risk. Use a strong password and enable 2FA on all your online accounts.

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Report a Hacked Account

If you notice that a photo, video, or story that you didn’t post is appearing on your account or you receive a direct message asking you to click a link, this is a sign that your Instagram has been hacked. It’s important to report this as soon as possible so that you can regain control of your account and minimize any damage that could have been done.

Changing your password, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), and reviewing third-party apps with access to your Instagram account is also a good idea. You can do this by visiting your settings and tapping “Security.” You can see which apps are logged in and their locations. It’s a good idea to remove any apps you no longer use or don’t remember connecting to your account.

Hackers can often access a user’s account by using leaked username/password combinations because 65% of people reuse their passwords across different accounts. By changing your password to a strong and unique one, enabling 2FA, and avoiding third-party apps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your Instagram being hacked.