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

In case you obtained a bunch of password reset requests from Instagram lately, you are not alone. Malwarebytes, an antivirus software program firm, initially reported that there was a knowledge 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 have been “safe.”

In Malwarebytes put up, the corporate added that the “knowledge is offered on the market on the darkish internet and could be abused by cybercriminals.” Malwarebytes famous in an electronic mail to its clients that it found the breach throughout its routine darkish internet 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. Based on Malwarebytes, the leaked data 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 mounted a problem that allow an exterior get together request password reset emails for some individuals,” Instagram’s put up on X learn. “There was no breach of our techniques and your Instagram accounts are safe.”

Whereas Instagram mentioned this is not a knowledge breach, its mother or father firm has been in scorching water for data breaches up to now. 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 possibly can assessment 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.