Instagram is facing massive backlash over a security glitch that hackers are exploiting, even after Meta claimed to have resolved the issue. The news came to light when several Instagram accounts were reportedly compromised through Meta AI’s support system.
According to reports, the attackers fraudulently gained access via simple text prompts, changing the email addresses of their targeted Instagram users. After successfully altering the email credentials, the hackers gained control. This has raised fresh concerns about the security of Instagram accounts and Meta's support systems.
Meta’s Vice President of Communications, Andy Stone, addressed the media, stating that the company has sorted this issue and is in the process of restoring control to affected users.
Hacker-turned-reverse engineer Jane Manchun Wong said one of their secondary Instagram accounts with a four-letter username was hacked despite having two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
Wong also said that the password for their main account was changed without their knowledge. According to Android Authority, these reports resurfaced even after Meta announced the issue had been fixed.
The Internet became a breeding ground for discussion of this issue, as many users reported similar experiences with fraudulent account takeovers. Among the affected users, Esther Crawford, former Director of Product Management at Twitter/X and current Director of Product Management at Meta, said that a five-letter Instagram account was also compromised.
Responding to an X user, Stone said Meta had regained control of the affected accounts and was continuing efforts to restore access for their original users. He also pointed out that some users may receive password reset notifications, while others may be prompted to answer security questions when logging in.
Also read: Meta Tests ‘Series’ Feature: Turns Instagram and Facebook Reels into Episodic Shows
While it may feel like there is a lot of uncertainty around this issue, the most proactive measure would still be to strengthen the security of the accounts. Here are some of the ways to bolster the security of your accounts
Two-factor Authentication.
Use unique and complex passwords.
Avoid using the same password across multiple services.
Conduct regular checks of login activity and connected devices.
Upon noticing suspicious activity, change your passwords
Technology is rapidly evolving, and so are the security risks related to it. More awareness, proactive measures, and quickly notifying the responsible authorities of suspicious activities can save a lot of stress and mental trauma in this digital world.