How to secure your Instagram profile from hackers? Guide

Instagram, is one of the popular photo and video-sharing platforms which boasts millions of users across the world, mainly of the youth. Given its vast user base, the platform has been enhancing its privacy and security features continuously, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for its users. And in case, you are concerned about protecting your account from hackers, then here are guides that could help you to implement security measures to safeguard your profile.

Key steps to protect your Instagram account from hacking:

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account by requiring a second form of verification besides your password. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open the Instagram app on your device.
2. Go to your profile by tapping the profile icon, placed at the bottom right.
3. Tap on the menu (three horizontal lines) at the top right.
4. There select Settings and Privacy.
5. Go to the Accounts Center.
6. There, select Password and Security.
7. Under Two-factor authentication, tap on Authentication App or Text Message.
8. Follow the prompts to set up 2FA using your preferred method.

By enabling 2FA authentication, even if anyone gets your password, then they will not be able to log in to your account, without an additional verification code, which is being sent to your phone number.

2. Review and Manage login activity

One must keep track of their logged-in activities. This could help them to spot suspicious activity. Here are the steps to check and manage your login activity:

1. Open the Instagram app 
2. Go to your profile, by tapping on your photo icon on the bottom right.
3. Now, tap on the menu icon (three lines) at the top right.
4. There, select Settings and Privacy.
5. Tap on Accounts Center.
6. Go to Password and Security.
7. Select Where you're logged in to see wherever you are logged in.

You will get a list of devices where your account is logged in. If you spot any unfamiliar devices or locations, then you need to log out immediately to secure your account and escape it from being misused.

3. Strengthen your password

A strong password is the first foundation for the security of your profile. Being the first in the line of security and defence against unauthorized access, users need to follow these guidelines to create a robust password:

1. Mix upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters in your password.
2. Avoid using easily guessable details like birthdays, phone numbers and more.
3. Change your password regularly to ensure it's different from the previous passwords.

4. Third-Party Apps: Be cautious

Granting access to third-party apps can expose your account to several security risks at times. Review and manage the apps connected to your Instagram account by following the steps below:

1. Go to your profile and tap on the menu icon (three lines).
2. Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Tap on Accounts Center.
4. Under Password and Security, go to Connected Experiences.
5. Review the list of apps and remove any that you no longer use or trust.

5. Monitor suspicious activity

Regularly check your account for unusual activity which includes comments, unfamiliar posts or messages that you did not make/create. If you witness any such signs, then change your password immediately and review your login activity again.

6. Privacy settings

Take advantage of Instagram's privacy settings to control who can see and interact with you:

1. Go to your profile and tap on the menu icon (three lines).
2. Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Under Privacy, you could adjust settings for content visibility, interactions and how others can find you on Instagram.

Staying vigilant and updating your security mode, would help you keep your Instagram profile safe.

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