An American cybersecurity company specializing in digital security announced that a group of unidentified hackers managed to steal sensitive data related to more than 17.5 million accounts on the “Instagram” social media platform.
The company stated in a release published on platform X: “Cybercriminals were able to obtain information including usernames, phone numbers, email addresses, and other personal data associated with the compromised accounts.”
It was mentioned that the hackers could use the stolen data to carry out phishing attacks, or to hack and exploit accounts illegally.
Sources clarified that the security vulnerability that led to this leak dates back to 2024, highlighting the ongoing risks in protecting personal data on social networks.
Social media platforms are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks aimed at stealing users’ personal data, raising significant security concerns for millions around the world. “Instagram” is one of the largest platforms used daily for sharing photos and videos, making it an attractive target for hackers.
Throughout its history, the platform has experienced several security breaches, the latest of which was in 2024, where vulnerabilities in external software were used to access user data. This has prompted cybersecurity companies to enhance protection systems and raise user awareness about the necessity of updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication.
