Is Your Instagram Account Secure?
Why would someone want to target your Instagram account? You share what you ate, maybe the books you read, the shoes you bought, or that really cool image of the sky above. How is that going to help a hacker? Read on to learn more.
OK. Your obvious love of chicken and waffles isn’t going to mean a lot to a cybercriminal, not unless your password is “chicknwaffles.” But there are people who make a living from Instagram. Influencers can make millions by posting a pic of their latest smoothie or the new pair of socks they love. Their IG accounts are their business. A hacker gaining access could destroy an influencer’s reputation, their livelihood.
Businesses, too, are moving to IG as a way to reach a targeted audience with vibrant visuals. They can’t afford to have their accounts taken over by an ill-intentioned hacker. That could lead to lost customers and brand damage.
Then, there’s you, the “average” IG user. Yes, the cybercriminal might still target your Instagram account. For one, they might use your IG handle to reach out to your friends and say, “I’m stuck overseas. I need some money.” Caring friends, not knowing it’s not you, could end up a victim of a scam.
How to Protect Your Instagram Account
#1 Go Private
Instagram lets individuals, influencers, and businesses show creativity. However, you want to control who sees what you post. You may not want everyone to see your photos. Limit your content visibility to friends and family in the Instagram profile window:
- Click on the three dots in the right corner.
- Scroll to the bottom of the options.
- Turn on the Private account setting (the button should turn blue).
You can also block followers you don’t know. Click on your Followers list, and tap on the users you don’t recognize. Tap on the menu button and choose “Block User.”
#2 Disable cross-app sign-ins
Using your IG account to sign in to other applications is convenient, because you have to remember only your IG access credentials. Still, by streamlining your sign-in you are also making it easier for a hacker to compromise your accounts. Now, they can get access to one account and use that as a way into the other connected accounts.
Log in to your account and review all connected applications. You can do this by visiting the Authorized Applications tap under the Edit Profile tab.
#3 Don’t overshare
Sure, that’s the golden rule of social media. Still, we’re talking here about reviewing personal information you share on Instagram. Take a look at your profile information and review whether all those details really need to be there. A hacker could use anything specific you write in your Bio to verify your identity elsewhere. Reconsider posting your birth date, alma mater, anniversary, favorite sports team, etc.
#4 Turn off location services
Instagram’s location services can let you check in at a particular place. But by doing this, you’re giving thieves extra information they can use against you. Instead, go into your phone’s Privacy settings and turn off location services for IG.
You also don’t want to cue criminals that you’re away for a vacation with posts from the beach. You might want to share that sunny sand pic. Then, you regret it when you come home to a burgled home.
#5 Enable two-factor authentication
Of course, the starting point is to pick a strong, unique password for your Instagram account, but Instagram has added two-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
In Instagram’s mobile app you click on the Options icon at the top right to get to a menu offering this option. You will get a short link to click on. Do so, and turn on the two-factor authentication. You’ll set it up using your mobile phone. Then, in the future, you’ll have to log in with the added security of a unique code sent to your phone via text message.
#6 Review your login activity
Keep an eye out for illicit use of your account by reviewing Login Activity. This is under Settings on the desktop app and shows a list of locations from which you’ve logged in. So, if you’ve never been to Thailand, but your IG account has, that would be a red flag. If you do spot locations you don’t recognize, log out from your device, and change your password.
Need help securing your Instagram account or other social media channels? Our helpful Marketing pros have the expertise you need. Contact us today at 561-693-1978
How To Transform An Instagram Account With SEO
Social media marketing campaigns can be tricky to navigate. It is hard for the average Instagram user to remain fully up to date with all of the latest trends. That’s what makes social media marketing services so important. They allow a client to get the most out of their social media marketing in Florida, without experiencing the usual pitfalls.
Those who are looking to expand their online presence would do well to read on and learn more. Social media marketing services can be helpful but taking the time to master the process is even more crucial.
1. Use Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to spread the word about a West Palm Beach business. Any Instagram campaign that does not utilize hashtags is not going to be as successful as it should be. Be sure to research the trending hashtags on a consistent basis. Those who take the time to do so are placing themselves in prime position to maximize their visibility. The account will gain followers at a steady clip, which also increases the chance for viral posts to take place.
2. Use Captions Wisely
To piggyback on the previous point, hashtags are a great way for a company to make sure that they are using their captions properly. People who use Instagram to search for goods and services will often rely on individual photos, as opposed to pages themselves. Using popular hashtags in the captions is a great way to increase search engine optimization. Think of them in the same manner as a keyword.
3. Back Links
If other accounts are linking to the posts, this makes it far more likely for the page to appear at the highest level of search engine rankings. The more back links that the site relies upon, the easier it becomes to rise up the search protocol rankings. Building partnerships with related South Florida businesses is the best way to go. These partnerships are mutually beneficial but they are time consuming, so they must be handled correctly.
4. Place Keywords Properly
In these instances, it is not always about what we say, it is about how we say it. Positioning of keywords is pivotal. The keywords should be placing in the user’s bio and in the name of the account when possible. Rotate keyword use as well. This allows the user to cultivate a larger following. In a perfect world, the keywords allow the account to come up during a specific search.
5. Link All Social Media Accounts
A failure to link all social media accounts is one of the most common mistakes that is made. If the business already has a presence on Twitter and/or Facebook, it would behoove them to add a link to their Instagram on both of these sites. Make it easy for the viewers to find all accounts, on all platforms. The company’s primary website should also feature links to every account.
