An Instagram data breach reportedly exposed the personal info of 17.5 million users

A recent data breach exposed sensitive information of 17.5 million Instagram users, as reported by Malwarebytes. The compromised data includes usernames, physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. This leaked data is now available for sale on the dark web, potentially enabling cybercriminals to exploit it. Malwarebytes discovered the breach during a routine dark web scan, linking it to a possible Instagram API exposure from 2024. The breach has triggered numerous password reset requests for affected users. The leaked information increases the risk of phishing attacks and account takeovers. Meta, Instagram's parent company, has not yet officially commented on the incident. This isn't the first time Meta has faced scrutiny for data breaches. Users are advised to enable two-factor authentication and change their passwords immediately. Checking logged-in devices within Meta's Accounts Center is also crucial for security.