Hundreds Of Instagram Accounts Taken Over In Mysterious Russian Attack

Hundreds of Instagram users are attempting to contact the photo-sharing application in order to regain access to hacked accounts. In a wave of fresh intrusions today, users complain that names, passwords and email addresses are being altered.

The contact information associated with these stolen accounts now points to emails with a .ru Russian domain. The hijacked accounts are having their images replaced with random stills from movies and TV shows.

The issues started in early August and were first reported by Mashable.

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) 15 August 2018

An official statement from Instagram says :-

We are aware that some people are having difficulty accessing their Instagram accounts. As we investigate this issue, we wanted to share the below guidance to help keep your account secure:

• If you received an email from us notifying you of a change in your email address, and you did not initiate this change – please click the link marked ‘revert this change’ in the email, and then change your password.
• We advise you pick a strong password. Use a combination of at least six numbers, letters and punctuation marks (like ! and &). It should be different from other passwords you use elsewhere on the internet.
• You can also use the steps outlined on this page to restore your account. Please use a new, secure email address to restore your account.
• Finally, revoke access to any suspicious third-party apps and turn on two-factor authentication for additional security. Our current 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.

For more information, please visit the Instagram Help Centre which includes steps you can take to restore your account, as well as Security Tips.

We have dedicated teams helping people to secure their accounts. If you have reached out to us about your account, you will hear back from our team soon.

Frustrated users are messaging the official Twitter account to ask for assistance. – see more here