Instagram users hit by hacks, inaccessible accounts

If you’ve been having issues accessing your Instagram account, you’re not alone. According to a post published to Instagram’s official blog late Tuesday, it’s aware of an access problem to some users’ accounts and is investigating further.

“We are aware that some people are having difficulty accessing their Instagram accounts,” the company briefly explained.

We are aware that some people are having difficulty accessing their Instagram accounts. If you think you have been impacted, please follow our guidance to regain access: https://t.co/DfHpQuk9SJ

— Instagram (@instagram) August 15, 2018

Users quickly took to Twitter to beg Instagram for help and guidance.

“I’m concerned because my account has been taken over by the hacker- but I did not receive any email from instagram whatsoever when my email was changed. Can you help?” one user tweeted.

“I can’t use these steps to fix my account because the hacker changed my username…” added another.

In response, the company issued a few troubleshooting steps for users facing account access issues:

You received an unwarranted email from Instagram suggesting your email address has changed

“Please click the link marked ‘revert this change’ in the email, then change your password,” the company suggested.

The social media platform further reminds users to pick strong passwords which includes numbers (six minimum), letters and punctuation marks. As always, your password for Instagram should be different from your others.

Restore your Account

Users can opt to restore an account by undertaking these steps.

“Please use a new, secure email address to restore your account,” it added.

Suspicious third-party apps

The social network advises users to revoke access to third party apps that seem suspicious, they also reinforce the importance of their two-factor authentication. The company’s also developing a two-factor method that doesn’t involve your mobile number.

“Our current two-two factor authentication allows people to secure their account via text, and we’re working on additional two-factor functionality with more to share soon,” the company concluded.

Reasons for the access issues and account hacks are not yet understood.

Feature image: Memeburn