A new Instagram hack has been discovered which takes over a user’s account and then fills it with porn and adult dating spam.
Security firm Norton by Symantec has published a full blog on the newly discovered scam which involves stealing control of the account and then changing the password.
The security firm don’t know exactly how the scammers are gaining control of these accounts however it does warn that the most likely cause is poor password use or the reusing of old passwords.
This would prove especially useful for hackers after over 600 million passwords were leaked this year alone through a number of combined hacks.
Users would often not have any idea that their account had been hacked until getting a notification telling them their password had been changed.
Once the scammers have access of the account they change almost all of the information on the account, including new photos promoting the adult sites and a link, which when clicked, will lead to a site asking if the person would like to see nude images.
Norton recommends that all Instagram users who feel they might either have a weak password, or haven’t updated theirs in a while, should change it now.
It also recommends adding two-factor authentication, a new feature which Instagram is rolling out to its users at present.
If all else fails, then report the hack to Instagram immediately.
Norton’s Top Tips: How to manage online presence
It’s important to remember that what’s online, stays online. Without proper management, you may run the risk of damaging your digital footprint or even suffering an account hack.
- Own your online presence: Set the privacy and security settings on web services and devices to your comfort level for information sharing. It’s ok to limit how and with whom you share information. It also helps you manage information shared by others, such as when tagged in a potentially embarrassing picture or video, before it reaches your online contacts
- Regularly review your social media privacy settings: This will ensure you have a firm handle on your online reputation on an ongoing basis
- Think before you act: Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true or ask for personal information
- Get two steps ahead: Switch on two-step verification or multi-factor authentication wherever offered to prevent unauthorised access to your online accounts
- Use robust security software, to help protect against malicious online attacks that may affect your online reputation