How to Stop a Hacker on Instagram: A Definitive Guide

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Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. Unfortunately, this also makes it a prime target for hackers and scammers.

In 2021 alone, over 32 million Instagram accounts were hacked according to data from the FBI‘s Internet Crime Complaint Center. As Instagram‘s userbase continues to grow, it‘s likely these hacking attempts will only increase.

The good news is there are steps you can take to protect your account. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to detect, stop, and prevent hackers on Instagram. Follow these tips and you can rest easy knowing your account is secure.

– Types of Instagram Scams
– How Hackers Contact You
– Identifying Fake Websites and Links
– Preventative Measures
– Strong Passwords
– Revoke App Access
– Avoid Clicking Links
– Limit Tagging
– Enable Two-Factor Authentication
– Keep Info Private
– Get Recovery Codes
– What To Do If You‘re Hacked
– Conclusion

Types of Instagram Scams

To stop hackers, you first need to know their common tactics. Here are the top Instagram scams and hacks to watch out for:

Fake Websites and Phishing Links

The number one tactic is creating fake pages mimicking the real Instagram login. They send you these phishing links trying to capture your username and password.

Once entered, the hackers have full access to your account. According to a Norton report, nearly 1 in 4 individuals surveyed encountered phishing scams in 2021.

These links often come disguised in convincingly real emails or DMs claiming your account is at risk. But the URL will point somewhere other than instagram.com.

Many Instagram growth services found online ask for your login credentials. They claim it‘s to automate likes or follows. However, handing over your username and password gives them indefinite access.

Research services thoroughly before using them. Many growth sites provide fake followers or engagement and may steal your info. It‘s best to avoid those requiring sensitive logins altogether.

Mobile and OTP Scams

Scammers may message you acting as a friend who "lost their phone" and needs your number or OTP code. Never share these without verifying the person‘s identity first.

Ask them to DM you from their main account. Or message your friend separately to confirm it‘s really them. Giving up your mobile number or OTP code lets hackers take over your SIM card.

Contests and Giveaways

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fake contests or giveaways requiring you to input personal data or login credentials are a common ploy. Legitimate Instagram contests never ask for sensitive information upfront.

Celebrity and Influencer Impersonation

Catfishing is rampant on Instagram. Hackers create accounts posing as celebrities or influencers to lure in followers. They ask you to visit links to steal your data.

Verify blue checkmarks and be skeptical of any unusual requests from accounts you follow. Contact the person through their official channels if unsure.

How Hackers Contact You

Scammers use two main methods to reach their targets – email and direct messaging.

Email

Fraudulent emails can look convincingly real. They often claim to be from an "Instagram Support" or "Security" team.

Red flags include requesting personal data like passwords and sending links to fake Instagram sites. Real messages from Instagram come from an @instagram.com email address.

Direct Messages

Similarly, you may get DMs asking you to click suspicious links or provide sensitive info. The account may impersonate a friend, celebrity, or Instagram itself.

Always verify messengers before clicking links or sharing data. Ask them to confirm their identity through normal channels. Anonymous accounts demanding information are almost always scams.

Identifying Fake Websites and Links

Avoid entering data or logging in via suspicious websites. Here‘s how to identify fraudulent Instagram pages:

Check the URL – Fake sites have slightly different URLs than the real instagram.com. Examples include using "Instagram" instead of the domain name in the address.
No blue verified badge – The real Instagram login page shows a blue verified badge. Fakes won‘t have this.
SSL certificate missing – Secure sites have "https://" URLs and a lock symbol. Non-secure fake pages only have "http://".
Spelling errors – Poor spelling and grammar are common giveaways.
Strange redirects – After clicking a link, it shouldn‘t redirect more than once before reaching the destination. Multiple redirects suggest a shady link.

Trust your instincts. If a link feels suspicious, close it and verify the source before clicking.

Preventative Measures

Preempt hackers by taking the following preventative security steps for your Instagram:

Use a Strong Password

Weak passwords are easily guessed in brute force attacks. Cybersecurity experts recommend passwords with:

At least 12 characters
Upper and lower case letters
Numbers
Special symbols

Avoid common phrases or patterns. Change your password every 90 days. Using a password manager also boosts security.

Revoke Access to Third-Party Apps

Remove permissions for unfamiliar apps or services linked to your Instagram to prevent misuse of login credentials.

Go to your profile > Settings > Security > Apps and Websites. Tap "Revoke Access" on any unknown or unused apps.

Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

As outlined above, scrutinize any link sent over DM, email, or even Instagram comments before clicking. Verify the sender and URL first.

Enable comment filtering on posts to automatically hide comments with suspicious links. Filter offensive words too to limit harmful messages.

Limit Tagging

Restrict who can tag you in photos to prevent unwanted tags from spammers. Go to Settings > Privacy > Tags and choose "Manual Approval" or limit tagging to only those you follow.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Adding two-factor authentication requires an extra step to login from new devices. This prevents access by anyone who just has your password.

To enable it:

Go to Profile > Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication
Select the 2FA method you prefer – text, authentication app, or email code.
Follow the setup instructions for your chosen method.

Keep Your Information Private

Don‘t overshare personal details like your phone number, email, home address, or birthday in your bio or posts. Keep your account private.

Always log out of public devices after using your account. Beware what photos you share – they can reveal locations. Limit tagging by strangers.

Get Recovery Codes

Recovery codes let you access your account if you lose your normal 2FA method. You get 5 one-use codes as a backup.

Save these somewhere secure like a password manager or written down somewhere hidden at home. Don‘t store them on your phone.

What To Do If You‘re Hacked

If your account is compromised, act fast:

Secure your linked accounts – Hackers can try accessing your other accounts linked via Instagram like Facebook or email. Change these passwords immediately.
Report hacked account – Use Instagram‘s reporting tool to flag your account as hacked so they can investigate and potentially retrieve it faster.
Log out everywhere – Sign out remotely of all devices logged into your Instagram. Change your password again afterwards.
Initiate account recovery – Request to recover your hacked Instagram via the forgot password process. Provide verification info to prove account ownership.
Strengthen your new password – When you regain access, create an ultra-secure new password to prevent repeat compromise.
Turn on 2FA – If you didn‘t have it before, ensure you enable two-factor authentication once your account is recovered.
Submit an ID theft report – If any personal info was exposed, report it to the FTC and monitor your credit.

Conclusion

Hackers are a persistent threat on Instagram. But you can secure your account by staying vigilant against their common tactics and putting preventative measures in place.

Always check links and senders before clicking or providing info. Use strong unique passwords and two-factor authentication. Limit tagging and be wary what you share on your profile.

Keep these tips in mind and practice good security habits. With caution and prevention, you can avoid the headache of hacking. Protect your Instagram presence and enjoy social media safely.

About the Author

John Smith is a cybersecurity writer with over 5 years of experience covering social media safety and hacking prevention. He regularly contributes security advice to digital publications like SecureYourData.com. When he‘s not writing, John enjoys hiking and photography.