Instagram hacked? Here’s how to get your account back

Instagram account hacks are skyrocketing, and it's not hard to see why. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram presents an irresistible target for cybercriminals.

And the biggest problem is that hackers aren't just after personal information – they're looking at the bigger picture.

Your Instagram account is a gateway to your brand, your followers, and potentially significant financial gains. For businesses and influencers, a compromised account can mean lost revenue, damaged reputation, and countless hours spent trying to regain control.

So, in this blog post, we’ll cover:

• What Instagram hacks are
• Why Instagram hacks are so common
• What you can do if your Instagram account gets hacked
• What you can do to protect your Instagram account

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What are Instagram hacks?

Instagram hacks happen when cybercriminals take control of your account without your permission. Think of it as a digital break-in where someone gains unauthorized access to your online presence. These attacks can range from simple password theft to sophisticated phishing schemes that trick you into handing over your login credentials.

When hackers gain access to your account, they can post content without your permission, change your profile information, or even hold your account for ransom.

Some hackers use brute force attacks, repeatedly trying different password combinations until they crack your account. Others employ more subtle methods, like sending fake security alerts that lead to phishing websites.

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Why are Instagram hacks so common?

There are many reasons why Instagram accounts have become prime targets for hackers, but some of the most common ones include:

Financial Motivation

Hackers primarily target Instagram accounts for monetary gain. They might hold your account for ransom, scam your followers through fake investment schemes, or sell access to compromised accounts on the dark web. Your followers trust your account, making it a valuable tool for cybercriminals to execute their scams.

Spreading Malicious Content

Once hackers gain control of an account, they often use it to promote scams or share links to malicious websites. These sites are designed to steal personal information from your audience or install malware on their devices. The trust your followers have in your account makes them more likely to click on these dangerous links.

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Political Influence

Recent hacks have revealed a disturbing trend where compromised accounts are used to spread political messages and propaganda. High-following accounts are particularly valuable for this purpose, as they provide a ready-made audience for spreading misinformation or manipulating public opinion.

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What do I do if my Instagram has been hacked?

First, take a deep breath. While having your account hacked is stressful, panicking won't help. Then, look at the following proven steps you can take to regain control of your account.

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How to get your hacked Instagram account back

Recovery options vary depending on your account type and the extent of the hack. We recommend trying all available methods until you succeed in recovering your account.

1. Check your email for a message from Instagram

Instagram automatically sends notification emails from security@mail.instagram.com whenever someone changes your account's email address or password. If you received that email, look for the "secure my account" option – clicking this can help you reverse unauthorized changes.

If the hacker changed additional account details beyond your email address, you'll need to request a login link or security code from Instagram to proceed with recovery.

2. Request a login link directly from Instagram

Follow these steps to get a login link:

1. On the login screen, tap "Forgot password?"
2. Enter your username, email address, or phone number
3. Click "Send login link"
4. Complete the captcha verification
5. Check your email or SMS for the login link and follow the instructions

If you can't access your account credentials, visit Instagram's Hacked page for specialized support.

3. Ask for a security code

If the login link method doesn't work, you can request support through your mobile device. Enter a secure email address that only you can access. Instagram will send you an email with detailed instructions for next steps.

4. Verify your identity with Instagram

For accounts without profile photos of you, you'll receive an auto-response email from Meta's Support Team. They'll ask you to verify your identity by providing the email address or phone number you used during sign-up, along with the type of device you used when creating your account (such as iPhone, Android, iPad, or others).

For accounts with profile photos, Meta requires a video selfie verification. You'll need to record yourself turning your head in different directions, which helps Meta confirm you're a real person and verify your identity.

Rest assured that your video will never appear on Instagram and will be deleted within 30 days. If Meta is unable to confirm your identity from the initial video, you have the option to submit a new video for their review.

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How Spikerz can help protect your social media presence

As you can see, protecting your social media presence requires constant vigilance and attention to detail. But the good news is, you don't have to tackle Instagram security alone. Spikerz offers complete protection for your social media presence, acting as your digital guardian against various threats.

For example, if someone attempts to access your account from an unfamiliar location, Spikerz springs into action, automatically changing your password and kicking out the intruder. It monitors for impersonator accounts and content theft, alerting you immediately so you can take action. The platform even analyzes your content for potential policy violations, helping you avoid shadowbans and maintain your reach.

Also, Spikerz provides proactive defense against bot attacks, automatically blocks phishing attempts, and filters out unwanted comments. And in the event of a data leaksleaks, you'll receive immediate notifications to secure your account. Plus, your valuable content stays safe with automatic backups, ensuring you never lose your digital assets.

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Are you ready to stop worrying about your Instagram security?

Don't wait until it's too late. Your social media presence is too valuable to leave unprotected. Join thousands of businesses and influencers who trust Spikerz to guard their digital presence. Start your free trial today and experience peace of mind knowing your Instagram account is protected by industry-leading security.

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Conclusion

Instagram account security isn't just an option – it's a necessity. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating for your brand and business. However, if you implement strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor your account activity, you'll be taking essential steps toward protection.

With that said, complete security goes beyond basic measures. Professional tools like Spikerz provide the robust, round-the-clock protection you need. Don't wait for a hack to happen before taking action. Protect your digital presence today, and ensure your Instagram account remains secure, active, and firmly in your control.