Hackers are using these methods to steal Instagram account!

Fake copyright infringement messages 💬

Instagram clearly states that you can share original content that is not copyright infringement. However, it is possible that you are inadvertently violating copyright, in which case Instagram will contact you to fix the problem. However, malicious people pretending to be Instagram employees can also contact you.

An account stealing link will be sent to your Instagram registered email address or as a DM. Although the page that opens when you click on the link looks like an Instagram login page, it is actually a fake page designed to steal your username and password. The only difference between the real page and the fake page is the typos you can notice when you look carefully at the address line. Hackers will often direct you to one of Instagram’s legitimate FAQs that deals with copyright infringement so you don’t have to worry.

Scam, verified badge offers ✔️

The blue tick is the checkmark that many Instagram users want to see on their profile. Unlike Twitter, it’s not easy to get blue ticks on Instagram; You have to meet certain criteria. Malicious people also use it. In this method, hackers send a direct message stating that when you click on the link, you will receive a verified badge and a checkmark will be added to your profile immediately. However, the link you are asked to click takes you to a fake website that still collects your account information. They ask you not to change your profile data such as username or password until you get the badge to buy enough time to steal your account.

Unreal suspicious account activity alerts 🤔

Hackers using the social engineering attack method take advantage of every piece of information they have. Sometimes they can design suspicious activity alerts that look like a notification from Instagram, but actually contain malicious links. Emails sent by Instagram customer service only come from “@mail.instagram.com” or “@facebookmail.com” addresses. Even if the emails you receive appear to be fake, we recommend going to your Instagram account and verifying if the security email was sent.

Fake sweepstakes and brand sponsorships 🎁

You may have seen that raffles are held from time to time on Instagram. It is useful to approach these draws carefully, especially to increase the number of followers. Malicious people want to lure you in by impersonating a big brand, a new venture, or a similarly famous company that gives great gifts. These scammers are real looking accounts that have been active for a while and have thousands of followers. In this method, you are not redirected to a fake web page that is only designed to steal your username and password. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire asking for your date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and other security questions.

Social media tools that look legit 📱

Managing a high-follower Instagram account is not easy, it takes a lot of time. There are many tools to make account management easier, but it’s important to make sure you have a legit developer. There are fake social media tools that pose a security threat, such as malicious browser plug-ins.

These tools often look and feel legit, but they add little to your account in terms of functionality. Such tools are used by hackers looking for bigger, more valuable targets. When such an attack is successful, the target users will have linked the fake tool to their social media accounts. This fake tool can be used to extract login information.

Reverse proxy attacks 💻

All social engineering hacking techniques so far rely on hackers redirecting them to fake apps and website pages to collect data from their targeted people. With reverse proxy attacks, hackers don’t need to develop a fake website or app; they can automate the theft of credentials.

A reverse proxy attack is a type of man-in-the-middle attack. Hackers redirect their targeted accounts to a domain located between the user and the legitimate website. The URL is very similar to the legal page. In the context of Instagram, you receive a persuasive email from a hacker that redirects you to Instagram’s login page. What you don’t realize is that you were sent through a proxy server to do this; that is, when you enter your credentials and log in to Instagram, your information (including two-step verification codes) is captured in real time.