Instagram is one of the largest social media platforms with around 700 million active users globally. Instagram has suffered a security leak many times before compromising personal data of its users.
In September this year, the company discovered a security bug that could be used to gain access to users’ email addresses and phone numbers of many users.
This time, Instagram passwords of some users could have been exposed. This is a part of a serious security leak. Instagram has introduced an option named “Download Your Data” in April this year in wake of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). As per a report the bug was tied to hit that one.
A spokesperson from the company has confirmed the leak “small number of people” have been impacted. As the company always said before even if it is a big issue. The company has confirmed to The Verge that this information was not exposed to anyone else. The company said it has informed the users whose passwords were leaked. Those who have not get any security warnings they remain unaffected.
Unfortunately, the “Download Your Data tool” contained a security issue that also sent users their passwords in plaintext in the URL. If you are using Instagram then it sends a message to you.
Instagram advised users to change their passwords as a precautionary measure.
If you suddenly find yourself a victim of Instagram hacks then here is a guide on what to do. Follow this guide and you will get your account back.
