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As hacking cases surge worldwide, Instagram users are increasingly falling victim to account takeovers without realising early warning signals. What clues should you never ignore and which quick fixes can save your profile before it is too late?
Phishing links and unsafe third party apps are common causes of breaches.
New Delhi: Instagram has rapidly grown from a photo sharing platform to a powerful hub for business, creativity and personal connections. With millions of users engaging daily, it has also become a prime target for cybercriminals. Experts report a sharp increase in hacking attempts, often through deceptive messages, malicious links and fraudulent login pages. Yet the most concerning issue is that many users overlook early red flags that could help them stop a breach before it escalates.
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, understanding how hackers operate and knowing the immediate actions to take has become essential for anyone using the platform.
Cybersecurity professionals warn that hackers usually test the waters before fully grabbing control of an account. One of the earliest signs is a login alert from an unknown device or location. Users often mistake this for a system glitch, giving attackers more time and access.
Another widespread warning is receiving password reset emails that you did not request. These notifications indicate someone is actively trying to break in. Sudden logouts, stories appearing without your knowledge, new messages sent from your account and followers reporting strange activity are also major indicators.
More advanced breaches include changes to your registered email or phone number. Once that happens, recovery becomes far more difficult because hackers attempt to lock you out completely.
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Attacks usually begin with phishing attempts. These often come disguised as brand collaboration offers, verification prompts, copyright warnings or prize claims. Once a user clicks the link and enters their login details, attackers capture the credentials instantly.
Weak passwords, repeated passwords used across multiple platforms and the use of unsecured public WiFi also increase the risk. Many users unknowingly grant access to unsafe third party apps that request Instagram permissions. In some cases, SIM swapping attacks allow criminals to intercept OTPs and verification codes.
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Experts advise that timing is crucial. The faster you act, the greater your chances of preventing a full takeover.
• Change your Instagram password instantly to stop ongoing unauthorized access.
• Log out of all devices through account security settings.
• Enable two factor authentication to add a strong security barrier.
• Revoke access to suspicious third party apps that may compromise your data.
• Update email and phone number security with new passwords and verification steps.
• Install trusted antivirus software to detect malware or spyware on your device.
• Report the suspected breach to Instagram through the in app Help Centre.
If the hacker has already locked you out, Instagram still offers several recovery pathways. Acting quickly remains essential.
Use the Forgot Password option and request a login link via your original email or phone.
Request a security code through Instagram’s login support if you still have access to linked contact details.
Use the My Account Was Hacked feature on the Help Centre to report unauthorized access.
Submit a video selfie verification if Instagram asks for identity confirmation.
Check for email alerts about profile changes and use the Revert This Change option if available.
Secure your email and phone first if you suspect they were compromised.
Once recovered, remove unknown devices, set a new password and enable two factor authentication.
To prevent future incidents, specialists advise using strong and unique passwords, avoiding suspicious links, refraining from logging in over public WiFi and regularly reviewing connected apps. Updating security details and saving backup codes can also strengthen your long term protection.
