August 17, 2021, 9:35 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Like any social network, Instagram accounts can also be hacked. TECHBOOK explains what affected users should do in such cases.
Finding out if your Instagram has been hacked isn’t difficult. You might notice, for example, that pictures or comments have been posted without your knowledge. It’s more concerning if you no longer have access to your account or, in the worst case, if your account no longer exists.
How Was My Instagram Hacked?
There are essentially two main entry points hackers use to hijack Instagram accounts. Depending on which method was used to hack you, you’ll need to respond accordingly. The unfortunate news is that users don’t always have a good chance of recovering their accounts. While the first method might seem the most obvious to many, the second actually occurs quite frequently. TECHBOOK explains both and reveals what you can do in each case, either to regain access to your account or to better protect yourself in the future.
1. Account Hacked Through Instagram
In this case, someone has discovered your Instagram password and can log into your account. This is a significant invasion of privacy, as private messages can also be read. In these cases, it’s usually someone interested in your life rather than a professional hacker.
Account takeovers of this kind are usually quickly noticed. If someone logs into your Instagram account from an unknown device, you will receive an email about the login.
If you notice strange changes to your Instagram account, you should take action. First, log in and change your password in the user management section. If your password has already been changed, recover it via your email address. As always, don’t use an easily guessable password. Next, disable all third-party app access. Hackers often use such programs to gain access to accounts. If you use the same password for other programs or networks, change those passwords as well.
Also interesting: Does Instagram spy on its users through the smartphone camera?
2. Account Hacked Through Email Address
We frequently receive messages from readers who can no longer access their accounts because the password cannot be reset via the email account. In this case, there is often great confusion. The reason is simple: hackers have hijacked your email address. This allows them not only to request a new password for Instagram but also to set a new email address in the next step.
However, Instagram has a security measure in place to secure the affected account. The company informs users via email about any changes to the account, allowing those who did not make the changes to react accordingly. Additionally, the email includes a link with the subject “Undo this change”–which is exactly what affected users should do immediately.
Afterward, the password must be changed. With a new, secure email address, the account can be restored. Again, it’s important to prohibit access to third-party apps. Additionally, Instagram recommends on its help page to enable two-factor authentication.
Important: If your Instagram has been hacked, do not simply create a new account with your old information, as the company will then only refer to this new account, and the old profile will be lost forever.
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Last Resort: Instagram Support
If you’re still having trouble logging in, you can request help from support. The Instagram imprint provides an email address you can contact. However, a response may take several days, even though a company is legally required to respond to emails sent to this mailbox.
Besides the email address, the error message is also available in the app itself. Additionally, you can get help through other social networks. For example, support is available on X with the tag @instagram.