Instagram hack: Users become victims of a strange account locking hack
In a widespread Instagram hacking campaign, hundreds of users are reporting that their accounts have been compromised. Besides losing access to the Instagram account, the profile image, email address, phone number, and bios related to the accounts of the affected users have been changed too.
Instagram Users Reporting Strange Hacks
Instagram users have been reporting of the bizarre hack since the beginning of August. Users are reporting that they are getting ‘logged out’ of their account, and if they try to log in again, it shows that their username no longer exist. The affected users also found hackers had altered their profile info and changed contact details.
Many of them saw their profile pictures typically set to a Disney or Pixar character with the new email addresses switching to a Russian .ru email address. Also, their bios and personal information have been deleted.
Instagram responds to the widespread hack
We are aware that some people are having difficulty accessing their Instagram accounts. As we investigate this issue, we wanted to share the below guidance to help keep your account secure:
- If you received an email from us notifying you of a change in your email address, and you did not initiate this change – please click the link marked ‘revert this change’ in the email, and then change your password.
- We advise you pick a strong password. Use a combination of at least six numbers, letters and punctuation marks (like ! and &). It should be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.
- You can also use the steps outlined on this page to restore your account. Please use a new, secure email address to restore your account.
- Finally, revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps and turn on two-factor authentication for additional security. Our current two-factor authentication allows people to secure their account via text, and we’re working on additional two-factor functionality with more to share soon.
For more information, please visit the Instagram Help Centre which includes steps you can take to restore your account, as well as Security Tips.
We have dedicated teams helping people to secure their accounts. If you have reached out to us about your account, you will hear back from our team soon.
