Tech
It seems to be Instagram hack hoax season.
Heres how to avoid being next.
For this reason, you want to avoid phishing attempts and suspicious scams as much as possible.
NordVPN reports that about 13% of Americans have beenhacked on Instagram.
First, it started with viral phenomenonLil Tayin early August, followed by formerBachelorettecontestantJosh Seitera few weeks later.
Thankfully, though, its avoidable.
Someone I know DMed me and said Hey!
I need your help.
Can you help me?
The hacker not only changed my passwords but started extorting me.
Then, they raised the price.
Rachel ended up sending over $500 without getting access to her Instagram.
Per InstagramsHacked Accounts Help Center, there are a few safeguards against hacking in place.
The problem, according to Cici, is that the link expires.
If that doesnt work, you’re free to report the hack to Instagram byrequesting support.
Podnar says to think of it as modern identity theft.
The Instagram account is a gateway to mining other types of data and broadening the scam.
The best protection is to prevent a hack from happening in the first place.
Heres how to increase your security, back up your data, and stay alert.
Podnar recommends investing in a password management tool she likesLastpass to help you keep track of them.
It is an easy security move that most people dont use nearly enough, Podnar says.
From there, select Password and Security, followed by Two-Factor Authentication.
drop your IG password, select Request Download, and soon youll receive an email titled Your Instagram Data.
That said, scammers can also use fake notifications to trick users into clicking links and falling into hacks.
The app will never DM you with an issue.
If the email was real, it will be there for 14 days after its sent.
To exit, head back to Security and just tap exit.
*Name has been changed for privacy.
This article was originally published onFeb.
