Hackers use a number of techniques for infiltrating Instagram accounts. Once they have gained entry, the first thing they do is change the email address the account is registered under. This hence affects the recovery process.
The common ways through which Instagram accounts get hacked and the email modified include:
- Phishing links: It can come in the form of a deceptive email message or direct message from an alleged Instagram user who asks the target to log in to a fake website.
- Data Breaches: If the same Instagram password is used for another website and that particular website is breached by hackers, the hackers might try the same password to gain access to the Instagram account.
- Weak or reused passwords: Guessable passwords or the same password for multiple accounts may expose the platform to brute-force or credential stuffing attacks.
- Malicious third-party apps: These are apps and sites that have the capability to modify or change an individual’s personal information since they have the ability to access the information.
Using Socialpave Anti Spy for Prevention
Socialpave Anti Spy is an anti-spyware tool for iOS and Android devices. It is aimed at assisting in the prevention of the hacking of an Instagram account. The Anti-spy setup of this tool assists in the protection of online accounts from hackers.
Procedure for running an Anti-spy setup using Socialpave Anti Spy:
- Download Socialpave Anti-Spy and subscribe to create your account.
- Click Tap Setup under Anti-spy setup.
- Tap Protect online accounts and follow the instructions to secure online accounts.
- Other categories on the Anti-spy setup screen should also be utilized to improve privacy protection on the device.
In case of any queries, simply click on the Messages icon on the home screen and consult a security expert 24/7.
The Anti-Spy Setup process in the Socialpave app is represented in its screenshots below and will help secure accounts and ensure that Instagram cannot be hacked and the email altered.
Steps 1-5: Follow through with the Anti-Spy Setup to secure Instagram accounts further.
Socialpave Anti-Spy will also offer immediate alerts if your account credentials are found in a known data breach. Enable this functionality by tapping Enable in the section marked Data breach monitor.
Indicators that an Instagram account is hacked and the email address has been changed:
The following are some warning signs that your compromised Instagram account might have been hacked by someone who has changed your email address:
1. Unusual activity and unauthorized changes
Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity that may indicate account fraud is taking place. Some possible warning signs include:
- Posts or stories you did not create
- Changes in your profile picture, bio, and username
- Following/unfollowing accounts that are not known
- Missing or deleted content from your profile
- Login notifications by email on Instagram
For rapid confirmation of unusual activity:
- Open the Instagram application and go to the Profile tab.
- Touch the icon of three horizontal lines at the top-right corner.
- Scroll to Settings and activity and select Your activity.
- Examine Interactions, Content you shared, and How you use Instagram categories.
- If anything seems dubious, lock down your account (below).
If there are concerns about hacking and changes in emails, look for irregular patterns.
Steps 1-5: Go to Profile > Settings and Activity > Your Activity to search for suspicious activity.
2. Receipt of suspicious emails from Instagram
Instagram sends emails if there are changes in your account details. For example, if a hacker changes your email address, an email alert entitled ‘Your email has been changed’ will be received.
If the Instagram security notification has been received, check if it is genuine. The address from which an Instagram security notification is sent should either be [email protected] or [email protected]. In that case, to undo the changes, one should proceed as indicated in the notification.
Step 1: Try to Recover the Account
Keep your cool if your Instagram has been hacked and the email address changed. Taking prompt action may help regain the account.
Scenario 1: You have remained able to use your Instagram account
If you’re currently logged onto your Instagram account on a computer or other device, you should change your password right away and undo any changes you may have made to your contact information.
Changing Your Password on Instagram:
- Go into Instagram Settings & Activity and then click on Accounts Center.
- Tap Password & Security.
- Select “Change password” and create a strong and unique password.
If the email has been modified, change the password for the account anyway.
Steps 1-3: Go to Accounts Center and choose Password and Security to update your login password.
To reverse an email address change:
- Go back to the accounts center page and click on Personal details > Contact info.
- If unwanted email addresses exist, look for a warning from Instagram named “Your Instagram email address was changed.”
- Follow the message directions to reverse the change.
Steps 1-3: Go to Personal Details > Contact Info in the Accounts Center to check the email changes.
If you are unable to gain access to your email, it could very well have also been compromised. You can refer to our guide on how to deal with a hacked email.
Case Study 2: Fully Locked Out
If this is not possible, there are recovery options available using a trusted phone at: instagram.com/recovery.
“To use Instagram’s account recovery options:”:
- Click Forgot password? on the login page in the Instagram app.
- Enter your email or username, then click Continue.
- Select a recovery method, perhaps receiving a code through SMS/WhatsApp, and follow Instagram’s procedure for claiming ownership of the account.
Steps 1-3: Click Forgot Password? from the login page to regain access to your account.
Report hacked Instagram account to support
If these approaches do not work, you should submit a report directly to Instagram using the Help Center.
To report a compromised Instagram account to support:
- Open the web browser and go to the “My Instagram was Hacked” webpage.
- Choose the My account was hacked option and press the Next option.
- Type in your Instagram username, phone number, or email to follow the instructions to regain access to your account.
Steps 1-3: Hacked account reporting and identity verification are necessary steps in account recovery.
Identity Verification via the Instagram Help Center
While in the course of seeking to report the hack of an account through the Help Center, you may be required to submit evidence of identity for ownership confirmation.
To confirm identity, the following documents may have to be produced:
- A selfie video of you with your face from different angles
- A photograph of a valid government-issued identification
- Information like the original email you used, previous login credentials
Do you also worry about the security of mobile devices? See how to handle the situation if you think your iPhone has been compromised.
Protecting Your Instagram Account After Recovering It
The restoration of your access to your Instagram account does not end there. To avoid being hacked in the future, you must reinforce your security settings immediately.
1. Changing Passwords & Two-Factor Authentication
If this hasn’t already been done, create a strong and distinct password. Do not include names, birth dates, or any password from before. It may be best to mix letters, numbers, and characters. If this becomes a memory problem, use a password manager built into your device.
Primarily, you should allow two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication protects the system regardless of the password being known to an unauthorized person.
Enabling two-factor authentication on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram application and proceed to the Accounts Center.
- Tap Password and security > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Choose the second-factor option to be done by an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy, or by SMS or WhatsApp. Turn on two-factor authentication to minimize the likelihood of hacking and email changes.
Steps 1-3: Access the Account Center and select Password and Security > Two-Factor Authentication to provide another layer of security.
2. Monitoring Account Activity for Suspicious Behavior
Be alert in monitoring for signs of account tampering.
Procedure for monitoring activity:
- Click on Accounts Center and choose Password and Security.
- In the Security checks section, check the following: Where you’re logged in, Login alerts, Recent emails, and Security Checkup.
- If unusual activity is noticed, change your password and check your contact information.
Be on the lookout for any questionable activity on your account so that hacking incidents and changes in your emails do not occur in the future.
Steps 1–3: Go to Accounts Center > Password and Security > Security Check to track activities.
3. Uninstalling suspicious third-party apps associated with the account
Giving permission to apps and websites may cause issues within the Instagram platform. It is important to withdraw permissions periodically to boost security.
To delete untrustworthy third-party applications that are connected to your account:
- Access the Settings & Activity panel.
- Scroll to Website permissions.
- Tap Apps and websites and then select either “manage” or “revoke” third-party permissions.
Remove the third-party app permissions to ensure Instagram cannot be hacked and the email address altered.
Steps 1 through 3: Go to Settings and Activity > Apps and Websites. For further safety tips, please visit our post on staying safe on Instagram.
Conclusion
The thought of hacking and email changes to an Instagram account can seem overwhelming. But with proper measures in place, recovery is possible and protection can be ensured. Vigilance regarding any fishy activity is imperative, and Instagram’s native options such as Two-Factor Authentication should be taken full advantage of. Socialpave Anti Spy can further help to strengthen security and safeguard Instagram.