Instagram has warned its high-profile users that hackers may use a buggy API to access their accounts. As there is no confirmation from the crew, buggy API might be responsible for the recent hack of Selena Gomez’s Instagram account.
Yes, Hackers used a buggy Instagram API to access high-profile accounts
The Facebook owned picture sharing site said in a warning letter to verified accounts that hacker(s) were attacking high-profile users, getting access to their email and phone contact information. Especially thanking the buggy API. Instagram wrote in the warning email.
“We recently discovered that one or more individuals obtained unlawful access to a number of high-profile Instagram users’ contact information – specifically email address and phone number – by exploiting a bug in an Instagram API,”
However, the security team assured that no passwords were accessed during this exploit and added that the targets were only towards high-profile users.
At this point we believe this effort was targeted at high-profile users. We encourage you to be extra vigilant about the security of your account and exercise caution if you encounter any suspicious activity such as unrecognized incoming calls, texts and emails.
Instagram has already fixed the bug and is currently investigating the incident. “We fixed the bug swiftly and are running a thorough investigation,” team said. “Our main concern is for the safety of our community and, out of an abundance of caution, we are reaching out to all verified accounts.”
Earlier this week, hackers broke into Gomez’s verified Instagram profile. The superstar reportedly has the most-followed account on the site with 125M+ followers. After taking control of her account, hackers shared several private pictures of her ex-boyfriend, Justin Bieber. The account was quickly closed by her team before taking back its control. Instagram hasn’t yet confirmed if this “buggy API” is responsible for this particular hack.
The company has apologized to its users for the inconvenience caused.
“Your experience on Instagram is important to us, and we are sorry this happened.”
– We have reached out to Instagram for a confirmation and will update this space as we receive any official comment.
Sources/References: Wccftech
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