Has your Instagram account been hacked and you’re trying everything you can to get it back? We are going to share how you can spot the signs of whether you have been hacked, give you a step-by-step process on how to recover your account, and tips on how to make your Instagram account more secure.
AM I HACKED?
There are signs to be aware of to notice whether or not your account has been hacked into. These signs are particular changes which include:
- Images, videos, or any post you are not familiar with appear on your main feed
- The number of people you are following increases – you would recognise people on your list that you don’t know
- The obvious one is being unable to get into your account as the hacker would have changed your password – you would also receive an email to say that your password has been locked if a hacker was attempting your password numerous times
HOW TO RECOVER YOUR ACCOUNT
- Report a hacked account to Instagram
- Change your password or click on Forgot password?
- Check your email notifications
- Request a login link
REPORT IT
You can report a hacked account by using the form on Instagram asking for all the key information that is needed. Go to Instagram Help Centre, select Privacy and Safety Center, and then click Report Something.
If you can still access your account, then change your password immediately and turn on the two-factor authentication.
If you are unable to get into your account, click the ‘Get help signing in’ option and for Android users, click on ‘Use Username or Email’ – arrow mark in the top right corner and select ‘Need more help.’
For iOS users, enter your username or email, click on ‘Need more help,’ ‘seek help in a different manner from Instagram, select ‘Impersonation accounts’ and click on the link that asks you to fill in a form.
You will receive an email to provide the documents or files that are asked of you in the email to recover your account or shut it down.
How to use Two-factor Authentication
The Two-factor Authentication feature on your Instagram account allows you to bring extra security to your app.
- Click onto the 3 horizontal lines in the top right corner of your profile
- Select ‘Settings’
- Click on Two-factor Authentication
- Two options will appear to recover your account through an external app with a code as well as a code sent to your Whatsapp to recover your account
- Follow the procedure
- Switch them both on or choose your preferred way of being notified with the code
It is essential to use the security features provided by Instagram to ensure the safety of your personal or business account. By following the security processes of the app, you are helping to build a better Instagram platform, and community, and keeping your information safe.
AVOIDING HACKS
As mentioned previously, it is vital to protect yourself from any danger or exposure that you do not want from your social media accounts. Now that you can link your Instagram and Facebook accounts together, it is not just your Instagram profile that you have to be cautious of, but your Facebook page too.
To avoid your Instagram account getting hacked into, there are certain things you can do:
- Pick a strong password and update it regularly
- Switch on the Two-factor Authentication
- Remember to logout off Instagram when sharing your phone or laptop with others
- Lock your phone immediately if it gets stolen or lost
- Be careful when you download and authorise any external apps and connect them to your account
- Never click on ‘Remember me’ when you log in from another location or device that is not yours
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