Warning: Change your Instagram password immediately!

Information belonging to more than 17.5 million Instagram users, including names, usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, and even location data, has been exposed in a major data breach on the dark web.

The data has reportedly been offered for sale by a hacker using the alias “Solonik,” significantly increasing the risk of targeted phishing attacks and SIM-swap fraud. Although users’ passwords were not leaked, the combination of email addresses and phone numbers gives scammers a dangerous advantage. Investigations show that at least 21,000 Iranian users have been affected.

Cybersecurity experts warn users to change their passwords immediately and switch two-factor authentication from SMS to authenticator apps. They also advise exercising extreme caution with suspicious password-reset emails and never clicking on unknown links to prevent unauthorized access.
— Donya-ye Eqtesad