You upload a picture on Instagram and are excited about the likes and comments that you got from your viewers. But something goes wrong the next day. You try to log in but can’t – Access is denied. You realize your account has been hacked. Feels scary right?
Off late many people have complained about their accounts being hacked but as hackers try all their means to get into your account, you as a user should make sure that all your security checks are in place.
As they say, the best defence is a strong offence. So, let’s see how one can protect their Instagram account from being hacked.
Strong Password
The numero uno culprit is your weak password. Don’t create passwords that are predictable like your date of birth of any other special dates. Keep a mix of upper case, numbers and special characters. Once you select your password, do the final check to know how strong your password is. The stronger the password, the harder it is for the hacker to crack it.
Another best practice is to keep a different and unique password for all your accounts. If the hacker gets through one password, he can gain access to your other accounts as well.
The best Cyber hygiene practice is to change your password from time to time.
Two Factor Authentication
TFA adds a layer of security to your account by alerting you when someone else tries to access your account from any other device. When the hacker tries to log in, Instagram will ask for a special login code and confirm the login attempt and only you can do that.
Steps to set up Two Factor Authentication;
- Open Instagram, go to your profile and click on the 3 lines on the top right corner.
- Select “Settings”
- Now tap on “Security” > “Two Factor Authentication” > “Text Message”
- Enable “Text Message”. Enter your mobile number and click on next and follow the instructions to get a security code. Now, when you or anyone else tries to log in to your Instagram account from a new device, you will get a security code via SMS.
If your Instagram account is linked to your email account, make sure to set up Two Factor Authentication on your email too.
Third-Party Apps
It’s common to use your Instagram account to log in to any third-party apps like photo editing or games. Even if you are inactive on these apps, they still have access to all your latest details that are there on your Instagram account and profile.
In order to manage these third-party apps, follow these steps;
Open Instagram on your PC/Laptop > Your Profile > “Settings” > “Apps and Websites”
Here you will see a list of all the apps that have been authorized access by you. Review them and if you find any app suspicious, click on “View and Edit” and remove that app.
Beware of suspicious DM’s or link shares
Creators may get DM’s or emails from accounts that may look like they are sent from Instagram. Always check the domain of such emails. If it’s not Instagram.com, it’s not sent by them.
Instagram will never ask your personal details or information you about copyright violation via DM. Never click on such links or reply to them. The only way to check if you got a mail from Instagram is;
Your Profile > “Security” > “Email from Instagram”
Instagram’s @creators account had recently shared a video to educate the users about the same.
Other things to keep in mind are, be cautious about using your Instagram or other social media accounts via public Wi-Fi network. It’s easy for snoopers to get into your account when you are on public network. Also, do not view embedded Instagram posts or videos on other websites or platforms. If you feel that the website you are browsing is shady, don’t click on any links or entre your log in details.
Taking care of these things can protect your account from being hacked. Now, all you need to do is be more vigilant.
Article by
Hansa Kajaria
@mummatalks
