How to Avoid Getting Hacked on Instagram

Getting your Instagram hacked can be scary, frustrating and feel like you’ve lost months, weeks, or even years of work…

The reality is, with over a billion people logging in to use Instagram each month, it’s a prime time target for hackers.

If you use your Instagram for business, it’s even more important to take extra security measures to protect yourself from hackers looking to prey on vulnerable Instagram accounts where they can gain access to their loyal followers. 

The best defense is a good offense.

A burglar is less likely to rob a house that has a security system, cameras and a dog, than it is to rob the neighbor who has nothing set up to catch them in the act.

In order to protect yourself, your business, and your audience from hackers, it’s important to take these steps to make sure you’re protected.  

7 Ways to Protect Your Instagram From Getting Hacked

Not sure how to set up a security system for your Instagram? We’ve got several layers of protection laid out that will make your account less appealing for hackers ….

1. Pick a strong password

The number 1 culprit to a hacked Instagram account: a weak password.

The weaker the password, the easier for any hacker or hacking software to guess. Make sure to set up an Instagram password that has a mixture of capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.

2. Turn [AND KEEP] on 2-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor authentication adds an additional layer of protection for your Instagram account. 

When set up, it requires users to verify their identity via a secure code sent to their phone or email, should an attempt be made to login to Instagram from a new device or location. 

To set up two-factor authentication, go to: 

Settings > Security > Two-Factor authentication, and turn the toggle switch ON.  

3. Set up Login Requests

You can never have too many layers of security in place to protect your Instagram account. In addition to 2-factor authentication, you also have the option to receive a notification to approve (or deny) any new devices that try to log in.

To access this setting go to:

Settings> Security > Two-Factor authentication> Additional Methods > Toggle on “Login Requests”. 

4. Unlink Facebook and Instagram

Many people use Facebook to login to Instagram and other apps because it feels more convenient than having to use multiple passwords or logins. This is a huge mistake…

Just like hackers can access your Instagram without a solid security layer, they can access your Facebook… and if your accounts are linked, it’s not hard to hijack both!

5. Revoke access to 3rd Party Apps

Just like Facebook, Instagram can be used to login to other apps like dating apps, games, and photo-editing apps.

Whether you used Instagram as a login once several months ago, or you use it regularly, your social media profile may be stored in their database and targeted later.

To manage 3rd party apps, login to your Instagram profile on your desktop and  click on: 

 Settings > Apps and Websites. 

From there you’ll see a list of apps that you’ve authorized access to. If you see any suspicious activity,  you can “Remove”  or “View and Edit”.

You can also access your 3rd party apps through the Instagram app on your phone by going to:

Settings> Security > Apps and Websites.

6. Don’t Click on Suspicious Emails or Links

Not sure if the email you received about an Instagram login is legit? 

All official Instagram emails can be found through your Instagram page by going to:

Settings > Security> Emails from Instagram. 

Additionally, Instagram will never send you a DM requesting you to click a link.

This is worth repeating: INSTAGRAM WILL NEVER SEND YOU A DM REQUESTING YOU TO CLICK A LINK. 

“Phishing” scams are on the rise and one the fastest ways to get your Instagram account hacked is to fall for a phishing email or DM. 

Common ways to identify a phishing scam: 

1. An email that has misspellings and/or a generic call to action
2. An email with an @address that is not Instagram or Facebook (Meta) official
3. A DM with a link to “verify” your account for a blue checkmark
4. A text message with a link to “recover your account”
5. A text message with a link to “verify” your account for a blue checkmark

7. Request a voice text

Instagram hackers are sneaky!  If you receive an Instagram DM from a friend, client or customer, that seems a little out of the ordinary… with a request to click a link of any type, respond with a request for them to send you a voice text. Maybe a simple hello, maybe a joke that just you two would know, or an update on their family or business.

Chances are if they don’t respond, their Instagram account was hacked and is being used to bait you into allowing access to hack your account, too.

Your Instagram profile is like prime business real estate you’ve spent your time, energy and resources into building…. and while there’s no 100% guarantee that a hacker won’t access your account, adding these layers of protection makes it a lot less likely.