technology
Privacy and security
Impersonation, threats and ransom demand: A wave of hacking into Instagram accounts
Hackers, apparently originating in Turkey, impersonate the social network's support service - and steal Israeli accounts.
Users, who find themselves behind a blocked profile, are required to pay a ransom to get the account back.
This is how you will take care of yourself
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Instagram
Yinon Ben Shoshan
Monday, 25 October 2021, 10:00 Updated: 10:17
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(Photo: ShutterStock)
Instagram users in Israel have recently (again) encountered a growing wave of hacking accounts and ransom demands for their release.
The hackers behind the attack focus on the profiles of celebrities or large companies, in order to achieve the coveted hallmark - blue V (authentication tag).
Yesterday (Sunday), hackers took over Spotify Israel's Instagram account and put the page up for sale for $ 1,000 in Bitcoin currency.
After failing to get what they wanted, the attackers removed all content from the page, swapped profile pictures and renamed the Intsagram Help Team.
The goal, of course, is to try to "hunt" more users by impersonating the social network's support team.
For those who missed out, we recently cracked a new corner on our Instagram account that reveals phishing messages (imposters).
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To the full article
The name was changed to "hunt" more users.
Spotify Israel's Instagram account after the break-in (Photo: Walla! Technology, screenshot)
The method: impersonation, intimidation and motivation for action
First, a wave of hacks, however large, does not necessarily indicate an Instagram failure, but rather a lack of vigilance on the part of users.
Explained Explained: Phishing - The hacker group sent users a private message (DM), impersonated the social network's support team and caused them to enter the name and password on a landing page that looked like Instagram's login page.
For example, a particularly popular message that has been running lately "alerts" the user that his account is infringing and he must verify the details, along with a threat to delete the account within 24 hours.
Another message that is distributed offers the user to receive a verification tag (blue V) if he only provides personal information for identification - and there were those who believed in the scam and fell into the trap.
The message may sometimes reach you via WhatsApp from an unknown number.
"The wave, which is apparently coming to us from attackers of Turkish origin, managed to overthrow many Israelis. THINK SAFE CYBER, in conversation with Walla!
technology.
"If you have not yet fallen victim then set up two-step verification for your Instagram and Facebook account," Brooks-Kempler adds.
"In addition, download and save the Instagram recovery code and on Facebook set up a list of 'safe' friends who will confirm your identity in the event of a burglary."
Account hacked and offered for sale (Photo: Walla! Technology, screenshot)
And it is important to remember, cut and save:
If Instagram wants to contact you, it will not do so via a private message from an Instagram account (even if it has a blue V), and conversely not through a random email that seems unreliable.
In addition, the company will never ask you to provide your username and password.
Be vigilant
Use a strong password: It
is advisable to refresh it once every few months especially if Instagram has asked you to do so. Every few months Instagram recovers login information stolen from other sites. If Instagram detects the possibility that your password has been stolen, changing the password will help keep your account secure and prevent future hacking.
Need tips for a strong password? Peek here. By the way, do not give your password to anyone you do not trust.
Secure your email:
In case hackers gain access to your email, they can also gain access to all the other accounts linked to it, including our social networks. Enable 2-step verification for email as well, using only strong passwords.
Be vigilant:
If you've seen posts you uploaded, and you know it's not you, or you're suddenly following people you do not even know and do not remember wanting to follow - change your password soon.
Someone may have already gained access to your account and is using it to their advantage.
Check where you last logged in:
In the app settings, select Security and then Login activity.
With this action you will be able to see where you last logged in from.
If you do not recognize one of the login specifications, you can disconnect it with the click of a button.
Be sure to update your personal details in the account:
if something happened, a correct and up-to-date phone and email can help Instagram reach you and even help restore the account even if the information has been changed by a hacker.
Enable (now!) 2-step verification
It uses two components to connect to the system - one is something the user knows, such as a password or PIN, and the other is something the user holds, such as a mobile phone, physical device or fingerprint.
Two-step verification means that there is something else that protects you besides the password itself.
Has your account been hacked?
It's not lost
Look for a message from Instagram in your email: If you received an email from security@mail.instagram.com informing you that your email address has changed, it may be possible to cancel the change by selecting "Cancel change".
You can also contact the Israeli Internet Association for guidance and assistance on the subject -
click here
.
In addition, request a login link from Instagram: so that the social network can verify that you have the account, you can request a login link to email or mobile.
On the login screen, tap "Get login help" or "I forgot my password".
Enter a username, email address or phone number associated with the account and tap "Next".
If you do not have this information, select "Need more help" under the "Next" button and follow the instructions.
Select the email address or phone number and select "Send Login Link".
Click on the login link you received and follow the on-screen instructions.
If you are not successful, you can visit the Instagram Support Center and try to request assistance in returning the account (click here).
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