Instagram Says “Accounts Are Secure” After Huge Hacking Rumors: What Really Happened?
Received a random Instagram password reset email? Meta denies reports of a 17 million account data breach. Learn what happened and how to stay safe.
If you woke up this morning to a strange email from Instagram asking you to reset your password, you are definitely not alone. Over the last few days, millions of people worldwide have been panicking because of rumors that Instagram got hacked. Some reports even claimed that a massive database of 17.5 million users was being sold on the dark web. But wait—before you delete your account in a panic, Instagram has officially stepped in to clear the air.
The Big Denial: Meta Says “No Breach”
On January 11, 2026, Meta (the company that owns Instagram) finally broke their silence. They posted a clear message saying that their systems were not hacked. According to their tech team, there was a small “technical bug” that allowed an external party to trigger those annoying password reset emails for a bunch of people.
The company said, “We fixed an issue that let an external party request password reset emails for some people. There was no breach of our systems and your Instagram accounts are secure.” Basically, they are saying you can just delete those emails and go back to scrolling your Reels.
Where Did the Hacking Rumors Start?
The scare started when a cybersecurity firm called Malwarebytes noticed a post on a hacking forum. A hacker using the name “Solonnik” claimed to have a “2024 API Leak” with info like usernames, phone numbers, and email addresses for 17 million accounts.
While it sounds scary, many experts think this isn’t a “new” hack. It’s likely just old data from a few years ago that someone is trying to sell again to make a quick buck. Since no actual passwords were leaked, your account isn’t suddenly wide open to strangers.
What Should You Do Now?
Even though Instagram says everything is fine, it’s always a good idea to be a little “extra” with your security. Here is what we recommend for all our All in one update readers:
- Check Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): If you don’t have this on, do it now! It’s the best way to stop hackers because they’d need a code from your phone to get in.
- Don’t Click Email Links: Even if the email looks real, don’t click the “Reset Password” link inside it. If you want to change your password, do it directly inside the Instagram App settings.
- Check Login Activity: Go to your settings and see “Where You’re Logged In.” If you see a device from a country you’ve never been to, hit “Log Out” immediately.
So, the short story is: Instagram is safe, the “hack” is mostly just old data, and those emails were just a glitch. Stay safe out there!
