Introduction
It’s no secret that social media accounts are vulnerable to hacking. With millions of users around the world, Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for cyber criminals. Fortunately, there are steps people can take to protect their accounts from malicious actors. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to avoid being hacked on Instagram.
Using a Strong and Unique Password
The first step in protecting your Instagram account is to create a strong and unique password. Cyber criminals often use automated programs to guess common passwords, so it’s important to make yours as difficult to guess as possible. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends using a minimum of 10 characters for a strong password, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It should also be something that is not easily guessed or related to you, such as your name or birthday.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that requires users to enter a code sent to their phone or email address in addition to their password when logging into their account. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your account, even if they manage to guess your password. To enable two-factor authentication on Instagram, go to your profile settings and select “Two-Factor Authentication.” You will then be prompted to enter your phone number or email address, after which you will receive a code that must be entered to verify your identity.
Avoiding Suspicious Links
Hackers often send messages containing malicious links to unsuspecting victims. If clicked, these links can install malware on your device that gives the hacker access to your personal information. To stay safe, it’s important to be vigilant about suspicious links. If a message looks suspicious or contains a link that you don’t recognize, do not click on it. It’s also a good idea to double-check the URL of any links you do click on before entering any personal information.
Not Reusing Passwords
Reusing passwords is one of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to online security. According to a study by the National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of adults reuse passwords across multiple accounts. This is dangerous because if a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they automatically have access to all of them. To stay safe, it’s important to create a unique password for each of your accounts and update them regularly.
Regularly Reviewing and Deleting Old Posts
Hackers can use the information contained in your old posts to guess your passwords or answer security questions. To protect yourself, it’s a good idea to regularly review and delete old posts. This includes photos, videos, comments, and other information that could be used against you. To do this, go to your profile settings and select “Review and Delete Old Posts.” Here you can sort through your posts and delete anything that could be used against you.
Being Cautious with Third-Party Apps
Third-party apps are applications created by developers outside of Instagram. While some of these apps can be helpful, others can be malicious. Before downloading any third-party app, it’s important to do your research. Look for reviews from other users and check to see if the app has been verified by Instagram. It’s also a good idea to read the privacy policy of any third-party app before downloading it.
Turning Off Location Services
Location services allow apps to track your location, which can be dangerous if your device is stolen or lost. To protect yourself, it’s important to turn off location services when not in use. To do this, go to your device settings and select “Location Services.” Here you can disable location services for specific apps or turn them off completely.
Conclusion
Protecting your Instagram account from hackers is essential for keeping your personal information secure. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make your account more secure and reduce the risk of being hacked. Remember to create a strong and unique password, enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious links, not reuse passwords, regularly review and delete old posts, be cautious with third-party apps, and turn off location services. With these measures in place, you can rest assured that your account is protected.
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