More than 17.5 million Instagram profiles compromised: how to protect yourself from massive data theft

By early 2026, a wave of compromised accounts has circulated again on the dark web, confirming that Instagram’s privacy crisis is more severe than previously thought. Records of over 17.5 million users have reappeared on platforms like Breachforums, exposing sensitive information ranging from usernames and email addresses to phone numbers and profile details.

The origin of the disaster: a faulty configuration in the API

According to cybersecurity experts, it all traces back to a critical error in Instagram’s API infrastructure during 2024. An improper configuration allowed attackers to unauthorizedly access massive user databases, extracting information that is now freely circulating on the dark web. The worrying part is not just the scale of the breach, but that the original data remained exposed for months before being detected.

The new attack vector: phishing through password reset

What is most alarming is how cybercriminals are exploiting this stolen data. Unsolicited emails to “reset password” have multiplied dramatically since the data resurfaced on the dark web. Attackers are using Instagram’s legitimate account recovery system to deceive unsuspecting users, impersonating Meta and convincing them to change their credentials on fraudulent sites.

Immediate measures you should take

Digital security experts recommend acting quickly:

• Change your password immediately, choosing a unique and strong combination that you haven’t used on other platforms
• Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection
• Verify your contact information in your account settings and update phone numbers or email addresses if necessary
• Be wary of suspicious emails requesting to reset your password, even if they appear to come from Meta

Meta’s silence

So far, Meta has maintained a low profile regarding this situation, without issuing official statements directly addressed to affected users. This lack of transparency has intensified concern within the tech community and among the millions of users whose data is circulating on the dark web.

The massive exposure of 17.5 million accounts underscores the critical importance of maintaining rigorous security practices across all your online accounts. Don’t wait for attackers to act: take preventive measures now.