How Do I Prevent My Instagram From Being Hacked?
From evaluating the need for third-party apps to access your Instagram to adjusting a simple security setting, here are 14 answers to the question, “What are tips for preventing your Instagram account from being hacked?”
- Audit Your Third-Party App Authorizations
- Alter Your Password in the Event of Suspicious Behavior
- Never Reveal Your Password to Anyone
- Stay Current on Handling the Latest Cybersecurity Threats
- Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN
- Avoid Buying Likes and Followers
- Monitor Your Account’s Activity Regularly
- Use Strong Passwords
- Save Time With a Password Manager
- Get Ahead of Phishing Scams
- Update Your Instagram App and Operating System
- Don’t Link Your Instagram With Your Facebook
- Change Your Password Every 6 Weeks
- Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Audit Your Third-Party App Authorizations
While human error is the number one reason for accounts being hacked and data being stolen, sharing your login credentials with fraudulent third-party apps can still be a major problem. I recommend everyone do a third-party app authorization audit once every few months—ask yourself if your new apps really seem like they need access to your Instagram or if it seems suspicious based on what the app does.
Dragos Badea
CEO, Yarooms
Alter Your Password in the Event of Suspicious Behavior
If you believe someone has hacked your account, change your password immediately and check your account activity for any illegal changes or activity. Examine your account activity for illegal modifications or questionable behavior, such as new posts or comments you did not make.
Arman Minas
Director, Armstone
Never Reveal Your Password to Anyone
Don’t tell anyone your password and avoid using public Wi-Fi to access your account. Keep your password private and avoid revealing it to anyone, including friends and relatives. When using public Wi-Fi networks to access your Instagram account, I believe it is important to be cautious because they may be insecure and make it easier for hackers to intercept your login details.
Andrew Dale
Technical Director, CloudTech24
Stay Current on Handling the Latest Cybersecurity Threats
To prevent your Instagram account from being hacked, the key is to stay ahead of the game by constantly updating your security measures. A few tips to keep in mind include setting strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and limiting third-party access.
In addition, it’s important to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best methods and to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your online presence. Remember, in today’s hyper-connected world, your reputation is only as strong as your digital security.
James Scott
Founder, Embassy Row Project
Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN
Be cautious of public Wi-Fi. There are fewer restrictions on public Wi-Fi than on your private wireless connection. That’s why the safest option is not to access your Instagram account when you’re connected to insecure public Wi-Fi.
If you log in to your IG using it, cybercriminals can easily take advantage of that fact and access your confidential data. Still, if you have no choice and must connect to public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN). VPN encrypts your connection and masks your IP address, providing digital privacy.
Many easy-to-use apps work across different platforms. They protect you from hacking attacks and help to secure your data.
Agata Szczepanek
Community Manager, LiveCareer
Avoid Buying Likes and Followers
Services that promote likes and Instagram followers for a fee are the biggest risk to your account’s privacy. Such services often ask unsuspecting customers to give them access to their accounts to help carry out their plans.
While you may see a temporary increase in the number of likes and followers, in the long run, these services take advantage of the access to your account to take it over. This is followed by permanent exclusion from the account and ongoing extortion attempts.
Liam Liu
Co-founder and CMO, Parcel Panel
Monitor Your Account’s Activity Regularly
Do this and check for any unauthorized logins or changes to your account information. Also, Monitor your account activity frequently to keep an eye out for any unauthorized logins or questionable activities. Changes to your account information, such as your email address, phone number, and profile image, should be reviewed to ensure they are accurate and legitimate.
Adam Crossling
Head of Marketing, Zenzero
Use Strong Passwords
Make sure your password is strong. A strong password should contain letters, numbers, and special characters. A password manager can help you create secure passwords and keep them safe, which is what we recommend doing for optimum Instagram security. Remember to update your passwords periodically as well, as this is one of the best cyber hygiene habits.
Dean Lee
Head of Marketing, Sealions
Save Time With a Password Manager
Prevention is key to keeping your Instagram account secure. To help protect yourself and your information, I suggest using a password manager (I use 1Password, but there are a lot of different options).
A password manager is an app or software program that stores, encrypts, and organizes—and can even generate!—all of your passwords in one secure location. You only need to remember one master password—they keep the rest for you! It also helps you save time by auto-filling forms with saved data. With a good password manager like LastPass or 1Password, you can easily set complex passwords across multiple accounts while still remembering just the single master password.
Roksana Bielecka
Community Manager, Resume Help
Get Ahead of Phishing Scams
Have awareness of phishing scams that seek to fool you into disclosing your Instagram login details or other personal information. Be wary of messages or emails requesting your Instagram login credentials or other sensitive information. Check the sender’s identity before clicking on any links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar or dubious sources.
Jeff Romero
Founder, Octiv Digital
Update Your Instagram App and Operating System
Maintain the most recent security patches and updates for your Instagram app and operating system. Install the most recent Instagram app and operating system upgrades to ensure you get the most recent security patches and updates.
Avoid third-party apps that require your Instagram login credentials. When using third-party programs that require you to provide your Instagram login credentials, I advise being cautious. Use only reliable applications and services that Instagram has examined and approved.
Adam Garcia
CEO, The Stock Dork
Don’t Link Your Instagram With Your Facebook
Having your Instagram linked to Facebook is a convenient way to post content and ensure consistency throughout. However, when your Instagram is linked to your Facebook, you increase the chances of being hacked, simply because your Instagram information is now more accessible.
If someone hacks your Facebook, they will also have access to your Instagram. Instead, it’s best to keep them separate and use other tools and software to ensure you post the same information at the same time without having to link them.
Allen King
CEO, Fun Join
Change Your Password Every 6 Weeks
It might seem like a lot of work to remember a password every 6 weeks, but it’s in your best interest to change it often if you want to prevent your Instagram from being hacked. Always try to choose a password with many numbers that don’t contain any information that might be personal to you. It’s also a good idea to only give out the password to those who directly use Instagram for your business.
Daniel Climans
Senior Manager, Digital Marketing and Partnerships, StickerYou
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Instagram hacking is really common right now. Most accounts that get hacked don’t have two-factor authentication turned on. This is essential to keep your account secure.
To turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account, open the Instagram app, go to your profile and tap on the 3 lines at the top right and select “Settings”. Scroll down to “Security” and select Two-factor authentication. You’ll have the option of using WhatsApp, text messages, or an authentication app to secure your account. I recommend using the authentication app for the best security.
Even though switching on 2FA doesn’t guarantee that your account won’t get hacked, it’s an important safety measure you should take to help protect your Instagram account.
Jodine McIntyre
Social Media Trainer, Social Smarty
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