In the dynamic world of social media, where creators invest years building their digital empires, the nightmare of a hack lurks as a constant threat. The loss of followers, brand deals, and cherished memories in a matter of seconds is a harsh reality for many.
This article aims to guide you through 5 simple yet effective steps to protecting your Instagram account from hackers.
Given the diverse audience, we’ll maintain a straightforward approach using easy-to-understand English.
also read: Top 5 Proven Ways to Make Money on Instagram in 2023
5 Easy Steps to Protect Your Instagram Account
1. Learn about phishing tactics
The most prevalent threat to Instagram accounts comes from social engineering or phishing tactics.
Creators often find themselves deceived by hackers impersonating trusted sources, such as brands or even Instagram itself.
By adopting a suspicious-by-default mentality, you can significantly enhance your Instagram security.
Hackers often inject a sense of urgency into their phishing emails, prompting users to make rash decisions.
For instance, a phishing email may claim copyright infringement, as experienced by @wandertears.
Being aware of these tactics and scrutinizing emails for authenticity—checking sender email addresses, grammar, and hyperlinks—can thwart potential attacks.
Additionally, social media platforms often feature educational content shared by influencers who have faced hacking attempts.
Full-time creator @wtfab, for example, shared her experience with Notch, explaining how she fell victim to a phishing email from a fake brand.
Learning from real-life examples adds a practical layer to your understanding of phishing tactics.
2. Cross-reference emails via your IG settings
Impersonation of official Instagram entities is a common tactic employed by hackers, offering blue tick verification or claiming copyright infringement.
To verify the legitimacy of an email, cross-reference it with your Instagram account settings.
Legitimate emails from Instagram will appear in your profile settings under “Emails from Instagram.” If an email lacks a corresponding message in this section, it’s likely a phishing scam.
Educating yourself about these tactics not only involves recognizing phishing emails but also understanding the methods used by hackers when impersonating trusted sources.
By staying informed, you empower yourself to make informed decisions and protect your account.
3. Set up Two Factor Authentication
Two Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a powerful tool to add an extra layer of security to your Instagram account.
It requires a time-sensitive verification code for login attempts from unrecognized devices. Despite its effectiveness, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations.
2FA can be bypassed, as seen in the unfortunate experience of Jessica Wenjia, a content creator with 180,000 followers.
Her account was compromised despite having 2FA set up, highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant.
To set up 2FA for your Instagram account, head to your profile, click on settings, select security, and then two-factor authentication.
Tap “Get Started” and follow the instructions. However, it’s crucial to note that 2FA does not make your Instagram invincible against hackers, as demonstrated by Jessica’s experience.
4. Use a password manager
A password manager acts as a centralized vault, storing login credentials securely. It simplifies the login process by requiring only a master password for the management tool.
This tool becomes crucial in recognizing phishing attempts, offering an additional layer of protection.
If you accidentally click on a link to a bogus website, the password manager identifies unfamiliar URLs and provides a warning.
Using a password manager not only enhances security but also streamlines your online experience. Instead of remembering multiple passwords, you only need to remember the master password for the manager.
This ensures that even if a hacker gains access to one of your passwords, they won’t have access to all your accounts.
5. Get Instagram Insurance
Even with the best security practices, no account is immune to hacking attempts.
Instagram insurance, such as that provided by Notch, offers real-time monitoring, and financial support in case of a hack.
A dedicated team for account recovery. As accounts are hacked every 10 minutes in the U.S. alone, having specialized insurance becomes a prudent measure for business-savvy creators and business owners.
Notch, as the first insurance for social media accounts against hacks, provides a comprehensive solution.
The real-time monitoring ensures that any suspicious activity is immediately flagged, and you receive instant alerts.
In the unfortunate event of a hack, a financial safety net is in place with daily payments to cover your loss of income.
Additionally, a dedicated team is ready to assist you in retrieving your account, making the recovery process more manageable.
Wind Up
In a landscape where hacking attempts are relentless, implementing these five steps can significantly enhance your Instagram account’s security and protect your Instagram account from hackers.
The digital world demands constant vigilance, and by staying informed and utilizing the right tools, you can safeguard your presence from the evolving threat of hackers.
Protect your Instagram world by adopting these simple yet effective measures.
