Last week, I received a mail from Instagram (that wasn't a real Instagram ID) stating that someone had reported one of my post with some copyright issue. This mail was the first thing that I read in the day so I was shocked as well as tensed because I had secured Instagram Account well so I thought how can this happen. If you would see the post then you would know that how can someone report my own picture as their copyright! I searched over the Internet and got to know that these are scam mails which are being sent to hack Instagram accounts. After knowing this I wasn't stressed and then I forgot about this. But then something happened and I was tensed again...
No, it is easy to secure your Instagram Account with correct measures.
What is the first step that we should take to Secure Instagram Account?
The first step to secure your Instagram Account is to create a strong password. A strong password should consist of various combinations like uppercase letter/s, lowercase letter/s, special character and number/s.
For example : Nameit@2019
Try to avoid your name, family name, vehicle number, house number, mobile digits, birth date, etc. while creating a password. This information is easily available or known to many people, so if someone wants to hack your account that person can do some reiki and get all the information.
What happened with my Instagram Account?
So, on 3rd July 2019 I edited my pictures and wrote the caption related to it. I had uploaded few stories in the day time, so I was sure that the Copyright mail that I received was a scam.
I happily added the post on Instagram and waited for it to get uploaded and after few minutes, I received an error 'Photo can't be posted'. THIS MADE ME TENSED AND I WAS WORRIED!
I tried this multiple times and saw the same error. Then I thought that my account was seriously reported, so I went back to the mail and clicked on VERIFY MY ACCOUNT. As I clicked on verify, it took me to a page asking me to enter my Instagram username and verify. I did add the username and clicked verify.
Then the next showed me the page to confirm with Copyright Infringement message. I clicked on Continue and it asked me my date of birth and account password.
I was worried because I didn't want to put my account in trouble, so I entered the password (How foolish of me!) and then it asked for my email and password too.
This is the time when I got suspicious and I left it there. Then I opened Twitter of Instagram to report the matter to Instagram and I got to know that Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp were down. THIS IS THE TIME WHEN MY I GOT RELIEF! The next day I woke up, washed my face and turned ON the Internet and checked that my account was normal!
Did SOMEONE LOGIN MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT?
Yes, after 10 minutes I got an notification that someone is logging in my Instagram Account from device in Singapore. Thanks to my tech mind that I had already SECURED MY INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT.
How to Secure Instagram Account?
1. CREATE A STRONG PASSWORD for your Instagram Account. Never keep same password for all your accounts. Mix and match letters, numbers and special characters while creating a password.
2. DOWNLOAD GOOGLE AUTHENTICATION APP on your mobile and link it with your Instagram Account and emails. This app is designed to authenticate the action whenever you or someone is logging in your Instagram Account. You need to click on YES to allow the login process. You can download this app here.
3. DON'T LINK YOUR ACCOUNT WITH TOO MANY THIRD PARTY APPS. You should only link your Instagram account to Facebook and Twitter. Linking Instagram Account to too many apps leads to misuse of your account as you give permission to those apps to access your account information.
4. ALWAYS LINK YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT WITH FACEBOOK PAGE. It is necessary to have a business page on Facebook to connect your Instagram Business (or Creators) account. Linking the account helps you to recover your Instagram account if deleted or hacked through Facebook.
5. DOWNLOAD INSTAGRAM DATA from the option in the Settings. Click on Settings - Security - Download Data. Instagram will ask for your email to send the links of the downloaded data. You will receive the links within 24-48 hours. You can download the data and keep it secure.
6. AVOID SAVING PASSWORDS ON APPS OR BROWSERS. You should avoid saving passwords of Instagram account and your email on apps or browsers. If you save passwords then someone might hack the browser or IP address or app to get your information.
7. ADD YOUR PHONE NUMBER, ALTERNATIVE NUMBER, EMAIL in Account information to stay secured when your account isn't opening or is in trouble. These details help Instagram and Facebook to identify your identity.
How to know that Instagram Account is Hacked?
When you try to login and can't login then someone has hacked your account and changed the password. When you see your posts are not visible in your Instagram feed or you see that your profile picture or Bio information or phone number or email is changed then your account is hacked. Immediately, take screenshot and report to Instagram or Facebook and get your account back.
How to prevent Trouble in Instagram Account?
1. Sometimes, Instagram also deactivates the account if they find something suspicious. So, try to post your original content and avoid copying content or pictures of others (if you copy then give full credit).
2. Never buy followers, likes or comments because in the long run your accounts would get into trouble.
3. Try to promote your Instagram post every week because in this way you are paying some amount to Instagram and they don't spy on your account.
4. Don't use banned hashtags or don't tag shadow banned accounts.
5. Try to be active at least 4 days in a week and post stories as well as posts.
That's all folks from my side on this topic. I hope these tips are useful to you all. Do share them with others who have Instagram Account and support each other. Also leave a feedback comment below, I would be happy to read your thoughts.
Thank you!
Amrit Kaur (Amy)
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That's a really helpful post. Even I got suspicious when people were reporting issues with their accounts, that's when I activated 2-factor authentication. This post will help people to secure their Insta accounts.
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In today's times, this has become extremely common. Your article is very helpful, will share it with everyone.
DeleteOMG! What a scary experience! You are brave to have had the presence of mind and stopped this process! Very helpful post about securing our accounts - definitely a must!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a useful post as we all are now on social media and need to understand how to secure our instagram thanks for sharing
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ReplyDelete(Snehalata Jain)
This is so useful.and I will follow all ur tips religiously now
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips to keep Inatagram account safe.Glad your account was safe
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ReplyDeleteWhat my main concern is... is it safe to use third party apps like to know unfollowers? Can you suggest me an app for the same?
ReplyDeleteAn informative post Amrit. It would surely help many.
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