Instagram has become the go-to social media platform for businesses of all sizes because of its enormous marketing potential. But, building your profile and getting the growth you want requires a lot of hard work, thanks to the competition on the platform. In addition to these challenges, cybersecurity is of utmost importance on the platform.
The ever-changing Instagram algorithm is challenging for even the most seasoned marketing experts. However, your brand will grow fast if you are willing to learn, adapt, and use the available Instagram marketing tools.
Unfortunately, there are always cybersecurity dangers you should be aware of. It would be a shame to see all your efforts go to waste because someone had broken into your brand’s profile and locked you out.
Before building your Instagram profile, get familiar with cybersecurity, the potential dangers you might face online, and how to protect your devices and social media accounts.
How Do Cybercriminals Hack Instagram Accounts?
There are various methods that cybercriminals use to threaten your online security. Here are a few of them that you need to look out for when ensuring your cybersecurity:
1. Malware
Malware has various functions, and hackers sometimes use it to get their hands on someone’s login information. They sometimes do it with the help of a keylogger that records keyboard activity.
This type of malware can reveal usernames and passwords for all the accounts someone uses daily.
Phone users are not safe from keyloggers, and the device will show signs your phone is hacked. A clear giveaway is that your phone feels hotter than usual when you are not streaming videos or playing a game. The temperature change indicates there is a background process on the device.
One of the signs your phone is hacked is low performance. Loading an app or webpage in your preferred browser takes ages. It could mean that malware is using all the processing power.
How can someone end up with malware on their computer or phone? Cybercriminals sometimes attach the software to emails and messages, and users download the corrupt file without knowing what it is.
If you receive an email from an unknown sender with an attachment, it is best not to click on it unless you are sure it is not malware.
2. Phishing
Phishing is the most popular way of stealing someone’s login information. It is currently at the top of the list of common cybercrimes, with 3.4 billion emails containing links to phishing websites sent daily.
Most of these are in the spam folder; you never see them in your inbox. However, some phishing messages could find their way to you. Cybercriminals send the links via messaging apps and even Instagram.
Even if you feel confident you can recognize a phishing link, it is good to stay on your toes. These websites are designed to look official and mimic credible services such as social media, streaming services, or a bank.
Once they learn your username and password, hackers can access your Instagram account or even try the same login credentials on different websites, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
3. Leaked and Weak Passwords
With so many data leaks in the last decade, finding someone whose login information didn’t end up on one of these lists is almost impossible.
Memorizing and using a single password for all your accounts sounds convenient, right? Unfortunately, this might significantly decrease your online safety.
Most of us use the same email address for social media, including Instagram. If your login information from, let’s say, MyFitnessPal in 2014 is the same, your Instagram account is at risk. It is just a matter of time before someone breaks into it.
Weak passwords can also lead to you being locked out of your Instagram account. Make sure your password contains uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers. It can sound complicated and hard to remember, but password manager apps will help you.
So consider resetting your Instagram password if your current one is too simple or weak.
The software memorizes your login credentials for multiple websites and services, keeps them all in one place, and allows you to use them across various devices.
4. Phone Break-In
People don’t need to be cybercrime masterminds to access your Instagram without your knowledge, and there will be no signs your phone is hacked.
Since Instagram can remember multiple accounts and allow users to log in with just a single tap, someone who knows the passcode for your phone can easily keep tabs on your Instagram activity.
Furthermore, you could give your phone to your friend or roommate to check their Instagram, and they can find your password easily.
Remember that even if you set up two-factor authentication, it doesn’t mean your accounts are safe. Imagine this: Someone learns the password to your email and sets a different password for your Instagram account.
The two-factor authentication code will arrive at your email address and lock you out. So, learning about cybersecurity is a must if you want to keep your accounts safe.
How to Know Your Instagram Is Hacked
So, you’ve been working hard on growing your Instagram account, making quality content, researching the algorithm, and pouring your heart and soul into your brand.
But you’ve also noticed some strange things on your account, such as replies to DMs you’ve never sent. It is a sign your Instagram account was compromised. But are there more?
Here’s what to look for if you suspect your account has been hacked:
- You can’t access your Instagram even though your username and password are correct. It means that whoever hacked you changed the login credentials. You need to start the account recovery process right away. We’ll cover this topic later on in the text.
- You are following more people than you remember, and the content on your feed looks odd. If you notice this, head to your Settings and check if your email and phone are still linked to the account.
- Your account has been sending DMs to other users, and the messages contain links to other web pages. It could signal that someone is using the account for phishing.
- You have noticed logins from unknown locations in your Login Activity.
How to Protect Your Instagram Account
Now that you know how criminals threaten your cybersecurity, it’s time to learn how to protect your data:
1. Learn How to Spot Phishing
Building your brand on Instagram is exciting and requires dedication. Once your followers increase, other brands and businesses will start sending you messages and emails in hopes of collaborating with you.
These messages are usually legit, but cybercriminals might use them to send links to phishing websites.
Recognizing a phishing message could initially seem complicated, especially today when we can’t rely on bad spelling thanks to all the AI bots and ChatGPT.
However, there is a common theme across all phishing messages: the sense of urgency. If a brand or a business is interested in working with you, they won’t give you a timeframe in which you need to answer their email.
Always look at the link provided in the message. Is it shortened? Does it lead straight to a login page? Is it a part of an official brand website? These details could help you determine if you are being phished or not.
Additionally, you can look into the background of the business that has sent you a message with an unknown link. Check their social media and read reviews and testimonies by other confirmed users, not the ones posted on their website.
2. Two-Factor Authentication
Provided you are the only person with access to your email account and phone, having a two-factor authentication for your Instagram account is necessary. It is the best way to ensure nobody else can log in using your credentials. So it’s best if you don’t turn off two-factor authentication on your Instagram.
Even if someone learns your username and password, they can’t access the account without the code sent to your email or phone.
Enabling two-factor authentication is quick and easy. Log in to your account, head to Settings, find a tab that says Security, and tap Two-Factor Authentication. Follow the instructions on the screen, and you’ll set everything up quickly.
As we mentioned above, cybercriminals can find a way to bypass two-factor authentication. If they have access to your email, a hacker can get the code and hijack your account.
Furthermore, some users have been tricked into providing the two-factor authentication code through social engineering, so be careful.
3. Double Check Emails From Instagram
Cybercriminals often use Instagram itself to gain access to someone’s account. They might pretend to work for Instagram and send you emails with different offers, such as getting that blue tick verification every brand wants.
Furthermore, you might receive a message with a copyright infringement warning. While these emails could look valid because copying Instagram’s actual emails isn’t too hard, there is a clever way to check if the content is real.
Every official Instagram email in your inbox is also available on your profile. If you haven’t searched for these, go to Settings, find the Security tab, and click on Emails from Instagram. The same message you have received via email should be listed there. In case there is none, you have just prevented a phishing scam.
4. Try Out a Password Manager
Password managers are becoming more popular now that internet users understand the importance of setting up secure login credentials. Long and unique passwords are almost impossible to memorize so that these apps can keep your information in one place.
But there is yet another bonus feature, and that is autofill. When a user lands on a page, a password manager will recognize the URL and suggest that they log in with their credentials.
If you were redirected to a phishing website, a password manager will identify the wrong URL and not offer the autofill option. It will be a clear signal you are on the wrong page.
5. Don’t Link Your Social Media Accounts
Meta has enabled users to connect their social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, and the brand-new Threads, through the Accounts Center. This feature allows them to share posts across social media networks. Since you probably run a business account on Instagram, Accounts Center can help boost your content.
While this service is perfect for marketing, it can also compromise the safety of your Instagram account when not careful. For instance, if someone breaks into your Facebook account, they’ll automatically have access to your Instagram. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use Accounts Center, but knowing the potential cybersecurity hazard is good.
6. Inspect the Third-Party Apps
Many third-party apps allow users to sign in using their Instagram account. This option is more convenient than creating a separate account, especially when you want to try out a new mobile game.
Of course, you might forget about the video game several days later, but it doesn’t mean the third-party app will forget your login information.
If the makers of the game experience a cybersecurity breach and hackers get their hands on the user information, they will see your login credentials listed in the database. It is best to manage the list of your third-party apps as soon as possible.
Log in to Instagram on your computer and go to Settings. Then click on Apps and Websites. You will see a list of third-party apps connected to your Instagram account. Review them and revoke access to apps you rarely use anymore or don’t remember signing up for.
Recovering a Hacked Instagram Account
Was your Instagram account hacked, and now you don’t know what to do? Here are a couple of things you can try to get your account back:
- Change your login information: If you still have access to your account but have noticed suspicious activity, immediately set a new password. Act quickly because you could prevent being locked out of your account.
- Go to your email inbox: A hacker may have already changed your Instagram address, and you will receive an email as a confirmation. Luckily, the automated message has a Revert this change link that will allow you to regain your account.
- Contact Instagram: Report the incident to Instagram support and verify your identity by sending a photo or a video of yourself. While some users didn’t find filing a report useful, others did get their accounts back in less than one day.
Final Words on Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is your digital shield in the world of Instagram marketing. Your brand needs robust online security to defend against cyber threats. By understanding these risks and implementing measures like two-factor authentication and email vigilance, you can fortify your cybersecurity defenses.
So, always remember that in the realm of Instagram, where opportunities are abundant, a strong cybersecurity strategy is your key to unlocking your brand’s potential while keeping it safe from digital dangers.
