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Sunday, January 05, 2025  
04 Rajab 1446  

What to do if your Instagram account gets hacked

Follow the instructions in any emails from Instagram
Steps to recover hacked Instagram account. Photo via Reuters
Steps to recover hacked Instagram account. Photo via Reuters

Discovering that your Instagram account has been hacked can be distressing, but there are clear steps you can take to regain control and enhance your security.

According to recent insights, approximately 85% of Instagram users have experienced hacking at some point, making it one of the most commonly targeted social media platforms.

Signs of a Hack

Common indicators of a hacked account include being unable to log in, unusual activity such as posts or messages you didn’t create, and notifications from Instagram about logins from unfamiliar devices.

If you receive a message from Instagram stating that your email has been changed, this could indicate unauthorized access.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Change Your Password:

If you can still access your account, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent the hacker from regaining access.

2. Remove Suspicious Activity:

Check for unauthorized devices logged into your account and remove any that you don’t recognize. Delete any suspicious apps connected to your account.

3. Notify Contacts: Inform your friends and followers about the hack to prevent them from falling victim to scams that may originate from your account.

4. Enhance Future Security:

After recovering your account, ensure that you use a strong, unique password and enable login alerts to monitor any future suspicious activity.

Recovering a Compromised Account

If you cannot log in, follow the instructions in any emails from Instagram about changes to your account.

You may be able to reverse these changes through provided links.

If you’ve lost access to your email or phone, you can seek assistance through Instagram’s help center, where you might need to verify your identity.

Read more

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In conclusion, while having your Instagram account hacked is certainly unsettling, there are effective measures you can take to regain access and improve your security going forward.

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