Are you putting your Instagram account at risk by leaving it public? Find out how to secure it by setting it to private!
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IN BRIEF
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Nowadays, sharing moments of our life on Instagram has become a common activity. However, it is important to question the security of our accounts when we decide to leave them public. This article aims to inform you of the risks associated with a public Instagram account and provide practical tips for securing it by making it private. Follow these steps to protect your privacy and use Instagram safely.
The risks of a public Instagram account
When you leave your Instagram account public, anyone can access your posts, stories and personal information. While this can increase your visibility and help you gain more followers, it also comes with several risks. For example, your photos may be used without your consent, and your personal information may be used for malicious purposes.
Exposure to cybercriminals
Public accounts are more vulnerable to attacks cybercriminals. They may collect personal information to orchestrate phishing schemes or steal your identity. Additionally, stalkers can easily find and follow your posts.
Unauthorized use of your photos
By posting photos to a public account, you run the risk that your images will be repeats or used without your permission. Unscrupulous individuals or companies may steal your content to use it for commercial or deceptive purposes.
The advantages of switching to a private account
Transforming your Instagram account into a private account offers several advantages in terms of security and of confidentiality. This allows you to control who can see your posts and ensure that only your trusted audience has access to them.
Control over subscribers
When your account is private, new followers must ask your permission to follow your profile. So you can control who follows you and decline requests from people you don’t know. This limits the audience to people you know or trust.
Increased protection of personal information
By making your account private, you better protect your personal information. Your posts are only visible to your approved followers, reducing the chances of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
How to make your Instagram account private
Steps to go private
To make your Instagram account private, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Touch the icon three lines top right.
- Select “Settings”.
- Go to “Privacy” and tap “Account Privacy”.
- Activate the “Private account” option.
By following these steps, you can easily protect your content and data from unwanted users.
Other tips for strengthening your account security
Besides setting your account to private, there are other steps you can take to increase the security of your Instagram account. For example :
- Activatetwo-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
- Use a strong and unique password, combining letters, numbers and symbols.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information such as your address or telephone number in your publications.
Security and privacy on social media are essential to protect your privacy. By following these tips, you can use Instagram with peace of mind while minimizing the risks associated with a public account.
| Privacy compromise | A public account allows anyone to see your posts, photos, and stories. |
| Unauthorized targeting | Spammers and hackers can more easily target a public account. |
| Exposure to harassment | A public account is more likely to receive malicious comments. |
| Subscriber control | Going private allows you to control who can see and interact with your posts. |
| Sharing Sensitive Content | A private account ensures that your sensitive posts are only seen by followers you approve. |
| Reduced phishing risks | A private account reduces the risk of targeted phishing attacks. |
| Protection of personal information | With a private account, your personal information is protected from unauthorized individuals. |
| Serenity and confidentiality | Making your account private gives you more peace of mind and protects your confidentiality. |
The Risks of a Public Instagram Account
- Exposure to strangers: Anyone can see your photos and personal information.
- Targeting by cybercriminals: Increase the risk of hacking attempts.
- Identity theft: Your content may be used without your knowledge.
- Spam and unwanted advertisements: Receive unwanted messages and comments.
How to Secure Your Account by Making It Private
- Access your profile: Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Open settings: Tap the three lines icon at the top right.
- Make the account private: Select Settings, Then Confidentiality, and activate the option Private account.
- Request control: Manually validate each new tracking request.
