Getting hacked sucks. But getting hacked with lots of followers is even worse. You’ve spent all of your time and energy getting to where you are. Then suddenly, it is swept underneath you in a blink of an eye. There are many instances where celebrities have had to clear the air and let their audience know that their account has been hacked. You may think you’ve done everything you can to prevent this issue, but you probably haven’t. I’m sure you’ve kept the same password for years. For one, that’s a no-no. And two, stop auto-saving important information. I’ll admit it is less time-consuming not to remember passwords, but the moment you lose access to your account, then what? Sometimes you can never get it back.
To prevent this issue, let’s go over some simple, yet useful tools to keep your account in control: not someone else’s!
1. Change Password Reguarly
This might come as a surprise but you should change your password 2 times every so often. Above all, pick a strong password. Not 1234, or your name and some year. These are the kind of passwords everyone, even hackers, has been able to pick up on and go in the for the kill–that is, hack your account.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Said Amanda Demeku:
It’s a multi-step process that requires users to verify their identity via a security code. This way, if you log into Instagram from an unrecognized device, you’ll be prompted to enter the code and confirm it’s you. To turn on two-factor authentication in Instagram, head to your Settings and tap “Two-Factor Authentication.” Tap “Get Started”, and you’ll have two options to choose from “Authentication App (recommended)” and “Text Message”.
3. Make Sure Your Email Account Is Secure
Refrain from linking your email account to other platforms because “in a recent survey, 22% of Internet users say their online accounts have been hacked at least once, while 14% reported they were hacked more than once.”
4. Revoke Access to Suspicious Third-Party Apps
It’s so common to use Instagram as a way to sign in to third-party apps like dating services, games, and photo editing tools. We’ve come to realize that signing up is just not it. However, “did you know that even if you haven’t used said third-party apps in weeks, months, or even years, they may have access to your social media profile and account information?” I’m sure you didn’t. For that reason only, “to manage your third-party apps, open your Instagram profile on your desktop computer, click the settings button, and then click on “Apps and Website”. Here, you will the list of apps that you’ve authorized access to. If you notice any suspicious apps, you can easily click the “Revoke Access” or “View and edit” button.
Don’t be the one to avoid this kind of security because, again, you wouldn’t want to wake up and see that you’ve been hacked. It’s not a good feeling. Trust me!
Feature image credit: Clint Patterson
