Hackers Using AI Chatbots to Break Into Instagram Accounts

Hackers have found a new way to break into Instagram accounts by using Meta's own artificial intelligence chatbots. These AI tools, designed to help users, are being turned into hacking tools by criminals. This is part of a broader pattern where everyday AI technology is being misused for cyberattacks. If you or your children use Instagram, your accounts could be targeted by these attacks.

While the specific number of affected users has not been disclosed, this technique is actively being used right now. The hackers can potentially gain full access to your account, including private messages, photos, and contact lists.

Take these steps immediately to protect your Instagram account:

1. Change your Instagram password right now. Make it unique and use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication in Instagram settings under Security. Choose the authentication app option rather than text messages.
3. Check your account's login activity in Settings under Security to see if anyone else has accessed your account.
4. Review and remove any suspicious third-party apps connected to your Instagram account.
5. If you notice anything unusual, like posts you did not make or messages you did not send, report it to Instagram immediately. Make strong password habits a family rule. Each family member should use different passwords for different accounts, especially for social media. Consider using a password manager to keep track of these unique passwords safely. Talk to your kids about not clicking on suspicious links sent through Instagram messages, even if they appear to come from friends whose accounts may have been compromised.