HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED?

How to Know If Your Instagram Has Been Hacked

Instagram has become a popular platform for sharing photos, connecting with friends, and promoting businesses. However, with its growing popularity, the risk of hacking has also increased. It is estimated that around 20-25% of all social media accounts, including Instagram, can expect to be compromised at some point. To protect yourself and your account, it's important to be aware of the signs that your Instagram may have been hacked. Here are some indicators to look out for:

1. Inability to Log In: If you find yourself unable to log in to your Instagram account despite being confident that you have entered the correct credentials, it could be a sign that your account has been hacked. Hackers often change passwords to lock the original account owner out.

2. Unfamiliar Images: If you notice images on your Instagram account that you haven't uploaded, it's a clear indication that someone else has gained access to your account and is posting content without your permission. Pay attention to any unfamiliar posts or images appearing on your profile.

3. Unknown Profiles Being Followed: Another sign of a hacked Instagram account is discovering that you are following profiles you don't recognize. Hackers may manipulate your account settings and start following random accounts to expand their reach or promote their own content.

4. Strange Activity on Your Feed: If you come across unusual activity on your Instagram feed, such as an influx of spam comments, suspicious links, or irrelevant content, it's likely that your account has been compromised. Hackers often use hacked accounts to spread spam and malicious links.

5. Suspicious DMs Sent to Your Followers: If your followers report receiving strange messages or links from your account that you haven't sent, it's a clear indication that someone has gained unauthorized access to your Direct Messages (DMs). Hackers may exploit your account to send spam or phishing attempts to your followers.

6. Altered Account Details: If you notice any changes in your Instagram account details, such as a modified email address or phone number, it's a strong indication that your account has been hacked. Hackers often alter these details to make it harder for the original owner to recover the account.

What to Do If Your Instagram Account Has Been Hacked:

1. Change Your Instagram Password: If you suspect that your Instagram account has been hacked, the first step is to change your password immediately. Choose a strong, unique password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to enhance security.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: To add an extra layer of security to your Instagram account, enable two-factor authentication. This feature requires you to enter a verification code, usually sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password when logging in.

3. Report the Account Hacking to Instagram: Inform Instagram about the unauthorized access to your account by reporting the issue. Instagram provides a dedicated support system to report hacked accounts. Take advantage of this feature to notify them and seek assistance in recovering your account.

4. Check Your Login Activity: Review the login activity associated with your account to identify any suspicious logins. Instagram allows you to view a list of recent logins and their locations. If you notice any unauthorized access, report it immediately.

5. Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps: Some third-party applications or services may have access to your Instagram account. Review the list of authorized apps in your Instagram settings and remove access for any apps that seem suspicious or unfamiliar.

6. Verify Contact Information: Ensure that your email address and phone number listed in your Instagram account settings are accurate and up to date. This will help you regain control of your account more easily and receive notifications about any changes made to your account.

7. Use Instagram Account Recovery: If you are unable to

log in to your account, utilize the Instagram account recovery process. Tap on "Get help signing in" (Android) or "Forgot password?" (iOS) on the login screen and follow the instructions provided. If necessary, provide the requested information to verify your identity and regain access to your account.

Remember, acting swiftly is crucial when you suspect your Instagram account has been hacked. By following these steps and reporting the issue to Instagram, you increase the chances of recovering your account and preventing further unauthorized access. Regularly monitoring your account activity and implementing strong security measures will help safeguard your Instagram profile from potential hacking attempts.