Instagram Hacked: Top Causes and How To Fix Them

Instagram hacked accounts can lead to a loss of follower growth in several ways. This means it’s important to know how to be the target of a hack and avoid being a victim. 

In this article, we’ll share a few ways you can combat hacking attempts to reduce their chances of impacting you. However, no strategy is 100% safe, and sometimes it’s out of your control. This is the case when using any website or social media platform. 

However, some websites naturally have more exploits than others. Generally, Instagram does a good job of protecting its user base with two-factor authentication and other security methods. 

Keep reading to learn more about Instagram account hacked problems and solutions!

How Do Instagram Accounts Get Hacked

Do you want to know how Instagram accounts get hacked? In this section, we’ll explore five different methods by which it’s possible for hacked Instagram accounts to occur. Understanding these methods will help you avoid being a victim or target. 

That way, you can take preventative measures to change how you use Instagram to maintain account security.

1. Phishing Attacks

Hackers use phishing attacks to access Instagram accounts in several ways. For example, they create fake Instagram login pages and trick users into entering their credentials. 

Furthermore, users can receive original emails or IG direct messages that appear to be from Instagram. This can prompt them to click a link and enter their login information. You should avoid sharing your details with anyone and only use them on the official website login screen. 

Additionally, make sure that you use secure email address practices. This ensures you don’t make the mistake of clicking on a link in an auto-response email. You always need to be on your toes when opening emails. This includes sources that you know since some hackers try to mimic legitimate companies. 

2. Weak Passwords

Hackers can get a hold of your account if you use weak passwords. Using simple or common passwords makes accounts vulnerable to brute-force attacks. This means it’s only a matter of time before a hacker gets your details.

Additionally, using the same password across multiple sites can lead to hacks. This is especially true if you are using a password on another website that faces a hacking breach. Therefore, it’s not good practice to keep using the same password on multiple websites. People usually do this because it is convenient or easier to remember.

3. Keylogging

Hackers can install malware or spyware that will record the keys you press on your keyboard. Therefore, the software can detect the step-by-step entry of passwords and other details. This gives them a way of recording your private details without you knowing. 

There are several ways that hackers can force different malicious software on you. For instance, you may receive it in an email attachment or when downloading a file on a website. This means you must be on your guard when downloading files while browsing the internet. 

4. Social Engineering

Social engineering involves manipulation to get access to your Instagram account. Hackers can trick users into revealing their login details by pretending to be someone trustworthy. Also, they can create a sense of urgency so the victim has less time to think.

Typically, hackers using social engineering will pretend to be a member of customer support. They may suggest there’s a problem with the account, and you need to use a login link to fix the issue. However, this link will take you to a web page where the hackers will steal the details you enter.

5. Third-Party Apps and Services

Third-party apps and services are an excellent way to get more out of Instagram. This involves Instagram scheduling tools and anonymous viewers. However, you may need to share your Instagram login details to use these apps. Hence, hackers create fake apps to harvest user data. 

Here are a few ideas on how to avoid being a victim of fake third-party apps and services:

• Background research: Take the time to execute background research on any apps that you plan to use. This can potentially help you identify red flags where other users have problems. 
• Avoid sharing details: If possible, use Instagram apps that don’t require your account details. This ensures that you can use the app without fear of having your Instagram details hacked. 
• Older apps and services: It’s a good idea to look at the age of the app or services. The older apps are less likely to be hacking exploits since the community would know about them.

My Instagram Was Hacked: What Damage Will Be Done?

Are you facing the problem of my Instagram was hacked and wondering what the damage will be? There are a number of issues that can result from a hacking event. For instance, the hacker may impersonate you and attempt to steal money from your friend’s list. 

Alternatively, they may post content that attempts to trick users, or the hackers can delete your content. All of these can be disastrous for your Instagram follower count. Therefore, you need to fix the issues as soon as possible.

Ideally, you will contact Instagram support to notify them that it’s not you who is taking the action. This can help prevent a ban or suspension. Instagram customer support can look at things like the IP address of the connection to figure out that it’s not you.

How To Get Back Hacked Instagram Accounts

Do you want to know how to get back hacked Instagram accounts? There are a few different methods for achieving this, and we’ll cover them in this section. Make sure to recover your account quickly to minimize the damage. Here are the different approaches you can take:

• Check for an email from Instagram: You may receive an email for Instagram sharing that your account is hacked and how you can recover it. However, you need to verify that the email is legitimate. 
• Request a login link from Instagram: You can ask Instagram customer support for a login link to reset the password for your account. This ensures you get access back and prevents hackers from using the account. However, this method isn’t ideal if the hackers also have access to your email account. 
• Verify your identity: You may need to complete security steps to ensure that you are the real person responsible for the account. This may involve sharing the same details as during account creation. 
• Change your password: If possible, try to change your password as soon as you can. This can lock hackers out of the account. It’s a good idea to change the password to one that’s tougher to crack. 
• Revoke access to apps: You may need to revoke access to specific apps that are compromising your Instagram account. 

4 Tips for Protecting Your Account From Instagram Hackers

Are you worried that you will be the next target of Instagram hackers? Then, you need to follow the advice in this section to reduce the chances of being a victim. In fact, you can use these four tips for other social media accounts and websites. These good internet practices will continue to work for the foreseeable future. 

However, as technology improves, you will need to apply new security measures to tackle those. That’s because hackers are always looking for new ways to take advantage of internet users. 

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable 2FA for your Instagram account. This ensures that hackers have a significantly harder time accessing your account. You can use your email or phone number as the second authentication factor. 

Typically, websites like Instagram do not ask you to complete 2FA every time. Instead, you only need to complete the process using a different device, location, or connection.

2. Improve Email Security

Make sure that you keep your email secure and update the password regularly. Also, you’ll want to set up 2FA for your email address to increase the protection. Most email service providers nowadays provide a range of security features that work well against most hacking attempts. 

3. Authentication App

You can use an authentication app to receive a security code you must enter during the login process. This is an excellent way to improve the security of your account and will deter hackers from targeting you. 

4. Look Out for Phishing Attempts

There are a growing number of phishing attempts and strategies that you need to be on the lookout for. This ensures you don’t make a mistake by clicking on a link in a suspicious email. 

Instagram customer support will never ask you for the password to your account. The only thing you can share is your Instagram username, which is publicly available. However, when anyone asks for the password, you can assume they have bad intentions.

Is Instagram Worth Using With Hacking Threats? 

Yes, Instagram is still an excellent social media platform despite the hacking problem. Overall, the platform does a good job of protecting its users. It would be a shame to avoid using Instagram because you can create a massive following for your brand. 

Use the strategies in this article to reduce the chances of Instagram hacked accounts. This ensures you can continue growing your account without interpretation. Stay up-to-date on the latest security trends to avoid losing your accounts to the latest hacking strategies. 

Do you want to grow your Instagram accounts without hacking attempts? Then, use Plixi for a trusted and proven Instagram growth service. We have an excellent reputation and a long list of happy customers. You can use our services to grow your account without issues. 

Check out Plixi right now to get more IG followers!