5 Effective Ways to Prevent Instagram Account from Getting Hacked
Hacking – it’s a word that sends a shiver down the spine of any social media user, right? When it comes to your cherished Instagram account, the last thing you want is to be the victim of a hacker’s prying eyes.
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Effective Ways to Prevent Instagram Account
Don’t fret! In this article, we’re equipping you with five top-notch strategies to fortify your Instagram account and make it hacker-proof. These tips are not only practical, but they’re also easy to implement and can significantly enhance your account’s security. Let’s dive in.
1. Strong Passwords – Your First Defense
First and foremost, let’s start with the basics. Your Instagram password is like the key to your house – if someone gets their hands on it, they’re in. A weak, easily guessable password is like leaving the front door of your house wide open for anyone to stroll in. To avoid this, invest in creating a strong, unique password. Here are a few guidelines that may be helpful:
- Create a password with a minimum length of 10 characters.
- Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols.
- Avoid using personal information such as names, birthdays, or common words.
Remember, regular updating of your password is just as important as creating it. Change your passwords every three to six months to ensure your Instagram account remains secure.
2. Two-Factor Authentication – A Potent Weapon
Now firmly on the road to securing your Instagram account against hacks, let’s delve into the powerful tool called Two-Factor Authentication. Unlike the conventional password approach, Two-Factor Authentication, or 2FA, adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring two types of information from the user.
The first form of identification is something you know, such as your password. The second is something you have, like a unique code sent to your mobile device. Instagram offers this feature, providing an extra level of security that can be a game-changer should a hacker try to infiltrate your account.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication on Instagram is simple. Follow these steps:
- Go to your Profile and tap the menu icon.
- Select ‘Settings’ at the bottom.
- Under ‘Privacy and Security’, tap ‘Two-Factor Authentication’.
- Select ‘Get Started’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
By doing so, any time a new login attempt is made on your account, you’ll be required to input the unique code sent to your registered mobile number. This means even if someone guesses or manages to steal your password, they’ll be stopped in their tracks by this secondary level of protection.
3. Be Cautious of Phishing
The artful and deceptive practice of ‘Phishing’ is another method cybercriminals utilize to gain access to your private data. Phishing involves tricking you into revealing your login credentials, usually through a deceptive email or direct message that appears to be from Instagram or another trusted source.
To remain safe from phishing attempts, always ensure that the emails and messages you respond to are genuinely from Instagram. If you receive a suspicious message or email, report it to Instagram immediately. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources, as they could be laced with malware designed to steal your information.
On Instagram, you can also protect yourself by setting your account to ‘private’, allowing only trusted followers to see or comment on your posts. This reduces your exposure to potential phishing attacks and helps maintain the integrity of your account.
4. Private Profile – Shelter from Strangers
Privacy is a significant aspect of maintaining the integrity of your Instagram account. By limiting your public visibility, you insulate yourself from potential threats and unauthorized access. Here’s how:
- First, go to your Instagram profile.
- Click on the three horizontal lines on the top right, then tap on ‘Settings’ at the bottom.
- Follow this by tapping on ‘Privacy’, and under ‘Connections’, you’ll find the ‘Account Privacy’ option.
- Turn on the ‘Private Account’ option.
That’s it! By doing so, only those who you approve can follow you and view your posts. It restricts others from accessing your photos, videos, and stories, shrouding your online presence in an extra layer of security.
5. Regularly Update Your App – Update to Outsmart
Another significant step to secure your Instagram account often goes unnoticed – app updates! Yes, updating your Instagram app is crucial since these updates include security patches that can help protect you from being hacked. It’s not just about new features and bug fixes, it’s also about your account safety.
- For iOS users, go to ‘App Store’, click on ‘Today’ at the bottom, and you’ll see your profile icon on the top right. Click on it, and you’ll see ‘Available Updates’. Update Instagram if it’s listed.
- For Android users, go to ‘Play Store’, click on the three horizontal lines on the top left, and tap on ‘My apps & games’. From there, you can update Instagram if it’s on the list.
Go on, take a moment to check for updates and elevate your safety game today! The world of Instagram is exciting and entertaining, but remember, only when safeguarded well. Happy Instagramming!
Read also : How to Leverage Social Media for your Business Growth
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