Instagram Data Leak Concerns Raise Alarm for 17.5 Million Accounts

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat):** Cybersecurity concerns have emerged as reports suggest that personal data of Instagram users may have been leaked, potentially affecting **17.5 million accounts** worldwide.

According to a report by cybersecurity company **Malwarebytes**, the leaked information allegedly includes **usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, residential addresses, and other sensitive details**. The breach was reportedly detected during routine **dark web monitoring**, prompting warnings to users to reset their passwords to prevent potential misuse.

The report noted that last week, multiple Instagram users reported unexpected password resets and emails, raising suspicions of a possible data leak. Malwarebytes classified this incident as a **global leak affecting 17.5 million Instagram accounts**, with stolen data now potentially available for sale on the dark web.

However, **Meta** has denied any Instagram data leak, assuring users that their accounts remain secure. Meta clarified that the incident involved **unauthorized password reset requests from an external party**, and there was **no unauthorized access to Instagram’s systems**. The company confirmed that **no accounts were harmed**.

This comes in the wake of previous social media breaches, including a **2021 Facebook data leak** that affected over 530 million users. Other platforms have also experienced large-scale data leaks in the past.

**Tips to Keep Your Instagram Account Secure:**
Meta recommends users review their account security settings, even if no breach occurred:

* **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** Enables a verification code on other devices when logging in. Check that 2FA is active on your account.
* **Strong Passwords:** Avoid common or personal info-based passwords; use unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.
* **Regular Password Updates:** Change passwords frequently and immediately if you suspect your account may be compromised.
* **Account Recovery:** If hacked, visit Instagram’s **“Instagram Hacked”** page and secure linked email accounts.
* **Other Precautions:** Only allow trusted third-party apps, log out from shared devices, and avoid saving login details on public computers.

Following these steps can **significantly reduce the risk** of account compromise and give users better control over their Instagram security.