Instagram Emergency Security Checklist: Lock Down Your Account NOW!

Instagram Emergency Security Checklist: Lock Down Your Account NOW!

*This advice generated using GOOGLE Gemini AI /The publisher of the Sydney Times accepts no legal liability for any of the Instructions contained in this article and in the event of errors,mistakes or innacuracies,.. we will not be held responsible -Because of the Techncial complexities we share this information on a “best available” basis as it was generated by AI .We share it in good Faith and in the Public interest. 

Posted in Sydney on 10 Janueary ,2025

The recent Instagram data breach has made it more critical than ever to secure your account. Don’t wait! Follow these steps immediately to protect your personal information from hackers and scammers.

STEP 1: CHANGE YOUR PASSWORD (The Right Way!)

This is the most important step. Even if you haven’t been breached, a strong, unique password is your first line of defense.

• DO NOT click on any password reset links in emails or messages. Go directly to Instagram.

• How to Change It:

  1. Open the Instagram app.

  2. Go to your Profile (bottom right icon).

  3. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top right.

  4. Select “Settings and privacy.”

  5. Tap “Accounts Center” at the very top.

  6. Go to “Password and security.”

  7. Tap “Change password” and select your Instagram profile.

  8. Enter your current password, then create a NEW, STRONG password.

• What Makes a Strong Password?

  • At least 12-16 characters long.

  • Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (!@#$%).

  • Do NOT reuse passwords from other accounts (Facebook, email, banking, etc.).

  • Consider using a password manager (like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden) to generate and store complex passwords.

STEP 2: ACTIVATE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA) – The Ultimate Shield!

2FA adds an extra layer of security. Even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t log in without a second code.

• How to Turn it On/Strengthen It:

  1. Open the Instagram app.

  2. Go to “Settings and privacy” > “Accounts Center” > “Password and security.”

  3. Tap “Two-factor authentication” and select your Instagram profile.

  4. Choose your preferred method(s) – prioritize these:

     • Authenticator App (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED): Use Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy. This is the most secure method.

     • WhatsApp: If available in your region, this is more secure than SMS.

     • Text Message (SMS): This is better than nothing, but less secure than an authenticator app because SIM swapping can bypass it.

     • Backup Codes: Make sure to save these somewhere safe (not on your phone, ideally printed out or in a secure password manager). These are your lifeline if you lose access to your other 2FA methods.

• Why an Authenticator App is Best: SMS codes can be intercepted or bypassed with “SIM swapping.” Authenticator apps generate codes on your device, making them much harder for hackers to access.

STEP 3: LOG OUT OF UNKNOWN DEVICES (Kick Them Out!)

Check if anyone else is logged into your account and kick them off.

• How to Do It:

  1. Open the Instagram app.

  2. Go to “Settings and privacy” > “Accounts Center” > “Password and security.”

  3. Tap “Where you’re logged in.”

  4. Review the list of devices. If you see anything you don’t recognize (an old phone, a browser session you don’t remember, an unknown location), tap “Select devices to log out” and remove them immediately.

STEP 4: REVIEW CONNECTED APPS & WEBSITES (Close the Backdoors!)

Some third-party apps (like follower trackers, editing tools, or scheduling apps) ask for broad access to your Instagram. These can be security risks.

• How to Review & Revoke Access:

  1. Open the Instagram app.

  2. Go to “Settings and privacy.”

  3. Scroll down to “Website permissions” and then “Apps and websites.”

  4. Under “Active,” review any apps or websites that have access. If you don’t use them or don’t recognize them, REMOVE their access.

STEP 5: BE ALERT TO PHISHING & SCAMS (Stay Vigilant!)

Hackers will try to trick you into giving them your information.

• Never click suspicious links in emails or direct messages, even if they look like they’re from Instagram.

• Instagram will NEVER ask for your password via email or DM.

• Look for red flags: poor grammar, urgent threats, requests for personal data.

• If in doubt, always go directly to the Instagram app to check for notifications or make changes.

BONUS TIP: CHECK YOUR EMAIL SECURITY!

If your Instagram email account is compromised, hackers can easily reset your Instagram password.

• Ensure your email account also has a strong, unique password and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled.

**Sharing is caring! Please pass this checklist along to your friends and family to help them stay safe online.**

60

SHARES

Share on Facebook

Post on X

Follow us

Share

Share