Instagram users ALERT! Don't fall prey to phishing emails; here's how to stay safe

Cyber criminals are now attacking Instagram accounts via phishing emails. Know how you can stay protected.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Aug 22 2022, 12:54 IST
Instagram
Here is how to keep your Instagram account safe. (AP)

Instagram is being used by a wide variety of people. From influencers, business owners, celebrities to youngsters. Yes, you can spot everyone on the social media platform. People use social media apps including Instagram, Facebook, among others to share their pictures, daily details and much more, thus giving other people an easy access into their lives. No matter what social media platform you are using you need to be sure of staying safe from hackers and frauds. And as per the latest information, hackers are now using phishing attacks to take over Instagram accounts.

You must be aware of giving credits to the original creators when you republish, post or share their content. Similar to other online platforms, Instagram users too need to follow the same. Insta users can even easily report copyright violations through several ways like you can report it to Instagram by filling in Copyright Report Form. The link of the same is here- https://help.instagram.com/contact/552695131608132.

It can be known that if you repeatedly post content that infringes someone's intellectual property rights, your Instagram account can be disabled or your Page can be removed under the company's repeat infringer policy. But now, cybercriminals are targeting users and their accounts through phishing emails (copyright violation scams) designed to steal their credentials and take over their accounts. Also Read: Hackers found a SECRET trick to access your iPhone even when switched off!

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According to a report by tomsguide.com, hackers are sending emails in your inbox claiming to be from Instagram support. You may find the email legitimate at first glance, but clicking on any links contained within it could put you and your account at risk. Via these emails, the attackers pretend to be from Instagram or any other social media application and try to scare users into taking actions so that they don't end up losing access to their Insta account.

According to the report by tomsguide.com, "scams typically begin with an email saying that someone has lodged an official copyright complaint against you. From here, they provide you with an easy way to prove your innocence by providing a link to object to the complaint." Clicking on the link can lead you to a page where you will be asked to enter your username and password. And as you do so, the attackers behind this campaign will get your credentials and can affect you in several ways.

Here is how you can avoid falling victim to phishing scam

Step 1:

You are advised to never click on links embedded in the emails. Try going to the official website of the company to find the correct link.

Step 2:

Check for the authenticity and credibility of the email address from which you received the email.

Step 3:

Look for spelling errors and grammatical mistakes in emails as well as in web addresses.

Step 4:

Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for all of your online accounts. Also keep a strong password for your accounts.

Step 5:

Reach out to others and ask for help before taking any action based on the content mentioned in the email.

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First Published Date: 10 Jun, 08:54 IST
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