BACKGROUND
Instagram is one of the most popular social media used in Negara Brunei Darussalam, with almost half of the population is using it for communicating. Losing access to your account can be a nightmare scenario for users.
TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE WHILE ON INSTAGRAM
- Enable two-factor authentication for extra security
- Change your Instagram password every 3-6 months
- Check your login activity
- Revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps
- Make sure your phone number and email address in account settings are correct
- If you are unable to login to your account, use Instagram Account Recovery
- Report hacked accounts to Instagram
POSSIBILITIES IF YOUR ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED
- Impersonation i.e. identity theft
- Victim may get blackmailed or cyber bullied.
- The scammer may try to crack the password of your other online accounts.
- You may lose control of your email account if you use the same password. Other online services connected to that email account could become compromised, leading to exposure of sensitive documents, financial and personal information. If your email account is compromised, the scammer may will have control of your email-based Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and change security settings.
HOW TO REPORT A HACKED INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
- On the login screen, tap Get help signing in (on Android) or Forgot Password? (on iOS).
- (Android only) Enter your username, email address, or phone number and tap Next.
- Tap Need more help? and follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: As part of this process, you will need to send a photo of yourself holding a security code to verify your identity. To minimize the chance of getting hacked again, be sure to turn on two-factor authentication.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Here are some things you can do to help keep your account safe:
- Pick a strong password. Use a combination of at least six numbers, letters and punctuation marks (like ! and &). It should be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.
- Change your password regularly, especially if you see a message from Instagram asking you to do so. During automated security checks, Instagram sometimes recovers login information that was stolen from other sites. If Instagram detects that your password may have been stolen, changing your password on Instagram and other sites helps to keep your account secure and prevent you from being hacked in the future.
- Never give your password to someone you don't know and trust.
- Turn on two-factor authentication ( https://help.instagram.com/566810106808145) for additional account security.
- Make sure your email account is secure. Anyone who can read your email can probably also access your Instagram account. Change the passwords for all of your email accounts and make sure that no two are the same.
- Log out of Instagram when you use a computer or phone that you share with other people. Don't check the "Remember me" box when logging in from a public computer, as this will keep you logged in even after you close the browser window.
- Always review your login activity. Go to: Your Profile > Settings > Login Activity
- Think before you authorize any third-party apps (https://help.instagram.com/263751177667145/)
- Review your account settings every time Instagram introduces new features
- For general help on Instagram go to: https://help.instagram.com/
- For reporting impersonation on social media go to: https://help.instagram.com/446663175382270
- For account takeover/ Hacked go to:https://help.instagram.com/149494825257596