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

For those who acquired a bunch of password reset requests from Instagram lately, you are not alone. Malwarebytes, an antivirus software program firm, initially reported that there was an information breach revealing the “delicate data” of 17.5 million Instagram customers. Malwarebytes added that the leak included Instagram usernames, bodily addresses, telephone numbers, electronic mail addresses and extra. Nonetheless, Instagram said there was no breach and that consumer accounts had been “safe.”

In Malwarebytes submit, the corporate added that the “information is out there on the market on the darkish net and may be abused by cybercriminals.” Malwarebytes famous in an electronic mail to its clients 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 keeping with Malwarebytes, the leaked data might result in extra severe 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 permit an exterior celebration request password reset emails for some folks,” Instagram’s submit on X learn. “There was no breach of our techniques and your Instagram accounts are safe.”

Whereas Instagram mentioned this is not an information breach, its mother or father firm has been in scorching water for data breaches previously. If you have not already, it is at all times a good suggestion to activate two-factor authentication and alter your password. Even higher, you may overview what units 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.