Password alerts fuel Instagram data fears

Cybersecurity firm says 17.5m accounts compromised, Meta denies allegation

- BY LEKSHMY PAVITHRAN

A new data leak reportedly may have compromised the personal information of 17.5 million Instagram users, raising concerns about account security on Meta platforms.

Cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes said the exposed data includes usernames, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, and other sensitive details.

The company discovered the alleged leak during routine dark web monitoring and warned users about potential misuse, particularly through Instagram’s password reset process. Meta, however, has denied any Instagram data breach, assuring that user accounts remain secure.