How to recover hacked Instagram account?

Is your Instagram account hacked? Stay calm – here’s how to get your account back and how to avoid getting hacked (again).

In the age of social media dominance, Instagram stands as one of the most popular platforms for sharing our lives, experiences, and creativity with the world. However, the more prominent a platform becomes, the more appealing it becomes to hackers. Hacked Instagram accounts can be a distressing experience, as it can jeopardize your privacy, personal information, and even your online identity.

In this blog post, we will explore what happens when your Instagram account is hacked and provide step-by-step guidance on how to recover it.

Several people had consulted to me regarding this problem, that their Instagram account is compromised, and they can’t login to their account. Amongst all I’ve found some similar mistakes that all of them has done are as follows:

• I’ve found that the password that they have used are really simple, like it only consists of uppercase and lowercase alphabets (E.g.: ‘Dooomsday’ this was a password used by one).
• Second mistake that I’ve found common was that some of them uses the same password for all the social media accounts and for emails.
• Third mistake that all did was that they did not set up 2FA, which is free and easy to implement in all social media and email accounts.

With these mistakes, it made really easy for a hacker to take over their account. Like for simple password it will take few minutes to crackup the password, for same password it’s like free golds scattered around, with one single account compromised the hacker can take over all the other accounts with the same password.

And for the third mistake, I’m tired for telling everyone to use 2FA security, they are completely free, and it provides an additional layer protection to your account. I don’t know why people don’t use it. With this turned on, the hackers can never access your account, even with entering the right password or clicking on the “forgotten password” link.

Some 2FA security applications are: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Cisco Duo

How to recover your hacked Instagram account

Method: 1

• Firstly make sure that only your Instagram account is hacked and all other accounts are safe, like your email account. Login to your email account and change the password and check for any suspicious changes. Also check that no emails from Instagram is blocked or are sent in spam.
• Now visit Instagram’s Password Reset page for a login link.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to this Help page and submit a support request to verify your identity. You will be asked to record a video selfie, but the next step will only work if your account already contains photos of you. The recovery link will be sent to your original email address.
• If this does not work, try it again until it verifies you.
• When successful, you will receive an eight-digit code that will be required after clicking on the link sent from Instagram.
• Log into the account on a computer using an IP address not used before with the account.
• Once in, immediately revoke any wrong 2FA implementation.
• Change the password to something strong and unique and not related to you.
• Change the phone number back to yours.
• Turn 2FA back on.
• Consider using a 2FA authenticator app instead of SMS-based 2FA.
• Change the username back on the laptop before re-entering from your phone.
• Finally, check your blocked list in your Instagram account. The hackers may have placed some close friends of yours in there.

Method: 2

Start with the Login Screen:

• Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram website.
• On the login screen, tap or click on “Forgot Password?” or “Trouble logging in?“

Username or Email/Phone Number:

• Provide your Instagram username, email address, or phone number associated with your account. If you don’t remember your username, use the email or phone number option.

Verification Method:

• Instagram will offer several options to verify your identity. Choose the one that you can access.
• The options may include sending a password reset link to your email, sending a security code to your phone number, or using Facebook to log in if your Instagram is connected to your Facebook account.

Verify Your Identity:

• Follow the instructions for your chosen verification method. For example, if you receive a code via email or SMS, enter it on the Instagram screen.
• If you’re using Facebook to log in, click “Log in with Facebook” and follow the prompts.

Change Password:

• Once you’ve verified your identity and gained access to your account, change your Instagram password immediately.
• Create a strong, unique password that includes a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

• After regaining access, it’s crucial to enable 2FA for added security. This feature sends a code to your phone or email whenever someone tries to log in to your account from an unrecognized device.

Review Your Account:

• Check your account settings, bio, profile picture, and any recent posts for any unauthorized changes made by the hacker. Correct any discrepancies.

Secure Your Email Account:

• Ensure that your email account associated with Instagram is secure. Change your email password and enable 2FA if you haven’t already. This will prevent hackers from easily resetting your Instagram password again.

Report the Hack:

Report the hack to Instagram by going to your profile, tapping on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner, selecting “Settings,” “Help,” “Report a Problem,” and then “Something isn’t working.” Describe the situation and follow Instagram’s instructions.

Contact Instagram Support (if necessary):

If you encounter difficulties during the recovery process or if your account has been taken over completely, you can reach out to Instagram’s support team for further assistance. Use the “Need more help?” option in the app or website.
Even you can visit this page for “Requesting Instagram Support”.

Remember that the key to a successful recovery is acting promptly and providing accurate information during the verification process. Also, make sure to follow good online security practices to prevent future hacks, such as regularly changing your passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and being cautious with third-party apps.

Prevent your Instagram account from getting hacked again

Use a Strong Password:

• Create a complex password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

• Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

• Turn on 2FA for an added layer of security. Instagram can send a code to your mobile number or email address, which you’ll need to enter when logging in from an unrecognized device.

Regularly Update Your Password:

• Change your password periodically, ideally every few months.

• Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your login credentials securely.

Review Authorized Apps and Websites:

• Periodically review the third-party apps and websites that have access to your Instagram account. Revoke access for any apps you no longer use or trust.

Be Wary of Phishing Scams:

• Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in messages or emails, even if they appear to come from Instagram. Phishing attempts often try to trick you into revealing your login credentials.

Secure Your Email Account:

• Your email is often linked to your Instagram account. Ensure it has a strong password and 2FA enabled.

Don’t Share Your Password:

• Never share your Instagram password with anyone, including friends or family members. Instagram’s employees will never ask for your password.

Use a Private Profile:

• If you prioritize privacy, set your Instagram account to private. This means only approved followers can see your posts and information.

Regularly Monitor Account Activity:

• Keep an eye on your account activity. If you notice any unusual login attempts or unfamiliar posts, take action immediately.

Educate Yourself:

• Stay informed about common online security threats and scams. Knowing what to look out for can help you avoid falling victim to hacks.

Use Unique and Hard-to-Guess Security Questions:

• Avoid using common security questions for password recovery. Instead, create unique answers that only you would know.

Stay Informed About Instagram Security Features:

• Instagram regularly updates its security features. Familiarize yourself with these updates and take advantage of new security options when they become available.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities:

• Refrain from logging into your Instagram account or any other sensitive accounts when using public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks can be less secure, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.

Conclusion

A hacked Instagram account can be a distressing experience, but with prompt action and the right steps, you can regain control and secure your online presence. Remember to stay vigilant, practice good online hygiene, and enable two-factor authentication to protect your Instagram and other online accounts. By following these steps, you can minimize the potential consequences of a hack and continue enjoying the benefits of this popular social media platform.

-VirusZzWarning