Instagram says accounts ‘are safe’ after wave of suspicious password reset requests

If you happen to acquired a bunch of password reset requests from Instagram just lately, you are not alone. Malwarebytes, an antivirus software program firm, initially reported that there was an information breach revealing the “delicate info” of 17.5 million Instagram customers. Malwarebytes added that the leak included Instagram usernames, bodily addresses, telephone numbers, e mail addresses and extra. Nevertheless, Instagram said there was no breach and that consumer accounts have been “safe.”

In Malwarebytes publish, the corporate added that the “knowledge is out there on the market on the darkish net and might be abused by cybercriminals.” Malwarebytes famous in an e mail to its prospects that it found the breach throughout its routine darkish net scan and that it is tied to a possible incident associated to an Instagram API publicity from 2024.

The reported breach has resulted in customers receiving several emails from Instagram about password reset requests. In accordance with Malwarebytes, the leaked info may result in extra critical assaults, like phishing makes an attempt or account takeovers. In response, Instagram posted on X that customers can ignore the latest emails requesting password resets.

“We fastened a difficulty that allow an exterior social gathering request password reset emails for some folks,” Instagram’s publish on X learn. “There was no breach of our programs and your Instagram accounts are safe.”

Whereas Instagram mentioned this is not an information breach, its father or mother firm has been in scorching water for data breaches up to now. If you have not already, it is all the time a good suggestion to activate two-factor authentication and alter your password. Even higher, you’ll be able to evaluate what gadgets are logged into your Instagram account in Meta’s Accounts Middle.

Replace, January 11, 2026, 11:10AM ET: This story and its headline have been up to date with Instagram’s assertion that was posted on X.