4 Easy Steps to Protect Your Instagram Account from Hackers

September 29, 2022

Undoubtedly, getting your Instagram account hacked can be a scary situation, especially if your page directly reflects on your sales and lead generation.

So today, here we have the exact steps you can take to secure your IG page from being hacked. We're sharing 4 simple ways to protect your account, as well as what you can do if it gets hacked.
 

Step 1: Choose a Strong Password

As more people create Instagram accounts, more phishing and hacking attempts take place. And the number one culprit is a weak password.

It's certainly best to use a password generator and refrain from using the same password for other sites. You can consider a password organizer, as it keeps your passwords safe and organized. These organizers often allow access to your passwords on any device—and some, even when you have no access to the Internet.

Again, use a different password for each of your online accounts. This approach makes it more challenging for hackers to get access to all of your data if one account gets hacked.

Once you've settled on a potential password, insert it into How Secure Is My Password for a final check. This will notify you if your password is strong enough to oppose a hacking attempt.

(Note that we're not affiliated with the site and cannot guarantee that your passwords are 100% safe with them.)
 

Step 2: Switch on Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security against hackers. It's a multi-step process that asks users to verify their identity through a security code.

For this step, if you log into Instagram from an unauthorized device, it'll indicate you to enter the code and confirm it's you.

  • To switch on two-factor authentication, go to your Settings and click "Two-Factor Authentication."

  • Click "Get Started," and you'll have two options: "Text Message" or "Authentication App (recommended)."
     

Option 1: Authentication App

This one involves a third-party authentication app like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, and FreeOTP.

If you have an authenticator installed, Instagram will automatically locate the app and send a code to it. You're required to save the code, insert it on Instagram, and two-factor authentication will turn on.

If you don't have an authentication app, Instagram will suggest you download one before completing the process.
 

Option 2: Text Message

If your account doesn't have an actual phone number, you'll be required to enter one. Once you've registered your digits, click the "Next" button.

In a little while, when you log into your Instagram account from an unfamiliar device, you'll be requested to enter a security code that you receive through SMS.

TIP: Keep an eye on unusual Instagram DMs and never share your details. Instagram recently shared a notice through the @creators account about an increase in Instagram phishing attempts.
 

Step 3: Secure Your Email Account

Free Gold Letter Y on Black Background Stock PhotoBe careful about your email address; your Instagram account (and many others) are connected to it. If someone gains access to one email account, they potentially have access to all your accounts—pretty scary stuff.

In a recent study, 22% of Instagrammers say their accounts have been hacked at least once, while 14% said their accounts were hacked more than once.

So with this in mind, it's an excellent idea to protect your email account with email encryption and two-factor authentication. These easy obstacles can go a long way to keep your Instagram account from the hands of hackers.
 

Step 4: Remove Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps

Free From above of crop anonymous person touching blurred cellphone screen while opening app and choosing option from pop up window Stock PhotoIt's natural to use Instagram as an official account to sign into third-party apps like games, dating services, and photo editing tools.

But do you realize that even if you haven't used those third-party tools in months or even years, they still have access to your Instagram profile and account information?

And if their database hits a hacker's radar, your details are up for grabs. You see why Instagram recommends that you think (twice) before connecting a third-party app.

To control said apps, you just open your Instagram profile on a desktop device, go to Settings, and then click on "Apps and Website."

Here, you'll see a list of tools/apps that you've allowed access to. If you see any suspicious or irrelevant apps, you can click the "View and edit" or "Revoke access" button.
 

How to Recover a Hacked Instagram Account?

If you doubt your Instagram account has been compromised, it's essential to take action as soon as possible. Heed the steps below to recover access to your account:
 

Step 1: Review Your Email Account for a Message from Instagram

If you receive an email from Instagram letting you know that your email address was changed, you can undo this by using the "revert this change" button in that message.
 

Step 2: Request a Login Link from Instagram

If extra information was also replaced (like your password), you should ask for a login link from Instagram. Here's how to begin:

  • On the login screen, click "Get help logging in" (for Android) or "Forgot password" (for iOS).

  • It'll take you to the "Login help" (Android) or "Trouble Logging In?" (iOS) page.

  • Then click "Next" (Android) or "Send Login Link" (iOS), and follow the on-screen instructions.

  • Insert a secure email address that only you can reach. Once you've submitted your inquiry, be on the scene for an email from Instagram, providing the next steps.
     

Step 3: Request a Support or Security Code from Instagram

If you failed to recover your account by following the above instructions, you can report a hacked Instagram account.

  • Click the "Help Us Recover Your Account" button. Instead of asking for the security code, this time, choose "I can't access this email or phone number."

  • On the next page, fill in the information about your account details, pick "My account was hacked," and tap "Request Support."

  • After submitting your request, you will receive an auto-response email from the Security Team at Instagram requesting you to help verify your idenetity.
     

You'll be invited for one or both of the following:

  • The phone number or email address you signed up with and the model of device you used at the moment of sign up (example: Android, iPad, iPhone, other).

  • A picture of yourself holding a handwritten code on paper that Instagram has sent you.
     

For businesses and creators on Instagram, keeping your account safe has never been more crucial.

However, there's no 100% guaranteed way to prevent your account from getting hacked, but you can make it a whole lot more complicated for hackers by following those simple steps.

Stay safe!

⟵ Torna al blog