Instagram is one of the most used social media applications. This especially makes Instagram accounts with many followers a target of hackers. Of course, both the high number of followers of Influencer accounts and the income they earn through these accounts are the main reason why they are an important target for Instagram account stealing. Apart from this, users with fewer followers but a larger circle of friends are also likely to be exposed to Instagram account stealing attempts. In this article, first of all, “How is Instagram account stolen?” We will answer the question. In addition to knowing these methods, we will also explain how to protect your account against each method.
How is Instagram account stolen? Here are all the methods
Especially in recent years, Instagram account theft has become one of the important problems. For this purpose, we have compiled both simple and complex methods for you. But how is an Instagram account stolen? Here are the methods of stealing an Instagram account:
Stealing an Instagram account using phishing method
One of the simplest but most used methods for stealing Instagram accounts is phishing. In this method, the hacker tries to send a link to the victim via DM under various excuses. The most used Instagram phishing method lately is fake copyright infringement.
Hackers send a message via DM that appears to be sent from an Instagram account and claims that you are violating copyright. When you click on the link sent, you will see a page similar to the Instagram login page. When you enter your account name and password here, your account information falls into the hands of hackers.
Again, one of the most used methods here is the claim of account stealing attempt. A link is sent to you via DM or e-mail from an account similar to your Instagram account. When you click on this link, you will see a fake page. You are asked to fill in the account information here. As soon as you fill in the information, all your account information is transferred to the other party.
There is a possibility that phishing hackers may also resort to lies, such as sometimes distributing free blue ticks and sometimes gift certificates. It is important not to click on the links sent here and not to enter information.
Prevention method
Instagram account protection methods for this hacker attack are as follows; First of all, there is a possibility that hackers may come across you with excuses other than fake copyrights. For example, a fake complaint page is generally used for Influencer accounts. Through this fake page, accounts with high followers are exposed to phishing with a message saying “Your account has been reported.”
First of all, you need to know that Instagram will not send you a DM. If there is such copyright infringement, Instagram removes the post in question. Again, Instagram will warn your account regarding this issue. In this sense, it is important that you do not click on these and similar links coming from accounts you do not know. It is especially critical for account security that you do not enter your password through the browser other than the application home page.
Instagram account hijacking via malware
Hackers infect your computer with keylogging software to access both your Instagram and other personal information. This infection is usually caused by using Flash Disks in places such as Internet cafes. Again, when you click on a link sent via e-mail, there is a possibility that your computer will be infected with such software or a trojan. But how is an Instagram account stolen through such software?
In general, these software installed on your computer can access all password information when you log in to your Instagram or Facebook account. These malware generally work to copy all data entered on the computer. So, when you turn on the computer, the software comes into play.
In particular, these software are developed to copy the passwords you use in social media applications and banking. Although it is not easy for such software to install on a smartphone, it is not possible for them to learn your password as long as you log in automatically through the application.
Prevention method
Instagram account protection methods for this hacker attack are as follows; It is especially important that you do not enter a password through the browser and that you scan your personal computer at least weekly. It is especially beneficial not to use your flash disks in places you do not trust and not to click on links in suspicious e-mails. Companies that currently provide e-mail services can recognize these e-mails, which are generally fake, and perceive them as spam.
Reverse Proxy attack
Reverse proxy attack is among the most common account stealing methods encountered by people searching for how to steal an Instagram account.
With this method, hackers automate this attack. In fact, it is possible to perform a reverse proxy attack in all these attacks we mentioned. For example, the hacker directs you to a place similar to the Instagram help page domain through the link you click.
Here, hackers prefer to send a warning that your account is about to be stolen. You may also have received a convincing e-mail or DM. Since the method works automatically, there is a possibility that even your two-step verification codes may fall into the hands of hackers as soon as you enter your credentials.
Prevention method
Instagram account protection methods for this hacker attack are as follows; You should be careful not to click on links you do not know. Even if you clicked, it is important to check the url address. A different character, even a small one, in the address indicates that you are on a fake site. Remember, today’s hackers can now visually copy the Instagram help page exactly.
fake shopping sitesending link via si link
One of the prominent methods of stealing Instagram accounts lately is sending fake links. Unlike phishing, when you click on this fake link, the software running in the background can access all your personal information. Depending on the person’s posts, this trap can also take the form of a fake shopping site or a fake Green Card application page. Although Meta controls such links, it is also possible for attackers to redirect.
prevention methodI
For this reason, the first method of protection should be not to click on links that you do not know or trust. If you clicked it by mistake, it would be useful to run a virus scan. It is especially important to check the applications running in the background on your smartphone. However, as we said at the beginning, it is a good idea not to click on links from users you do not know.
Attack via hijacked friend account
One of the most common Instagram account stealing methods in recent years is trying to steal an account through a stolen account. Here, hackers contact the friend list through the compromised account. Here, the hacker tries to steal the Instagram account of the target person by deceiving them by promising to send a gift certificate, etc., and using the methods mentioned above.
Prevention method
Instagram account protection methods for this hacker attack are as follows; At first, the communication language of the person who took over your friend’s account should attract your attention. In this sense, friends with whom you do not communicate much are generally preferred. On the other hand, even if a friend of yours who has little contact with you makes a sentence like “I have gift codes, I would like to give them to you” is enough to raise suspicion. Especially if he sent a link based on the answer after asking which line you are using, it is necessary to cut off the communication.
Instagram account protection methods
Instagram account hacking methods are generally simple and focus on the user’s carelessness. As you know, Instagram is a social media application that works with two-factor authentication. In this sense, the first thing you need to do for Instagram account recovery and protection against account theft is to turn on the two-factor authentication setting.
Instagram for this Settings & Privacy>Accounts Center>Password & Security>Two-Factor Authentication You need to follow the steps. Here, Instagram recommends you to use Google Authenticator and similar authentication applications as a priority. There are also options such as sending a code via text message or WhatsApp.
Apart from this, it is also possible to access your account again through your backup codes generated by Instagram. However, it should not be forgotten that people who take over the account can turn off all these settings.
The important thing here is that you receive information when there is a login from a foreign device. To do this, you need to turn on the option to send notifications when logged in from a foreign device from the other methods tab. However, despite all this, the possibility of your account being compromised does not completely disappear.
Again, the easiest way to steal your Instagram account is simple passwords. It is especially important not to use guessable passwords. If you do not use strong passwords, no method will be sufficient to protect your Instagram account.
Here, after your account is taken over, it is important to go to the Instagram help page and follow the steps one by one. You can also get help from social media experts who are experts in this field.