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

For those who obtained a bunch of password reset requests from Instagram just lately, you are not alone. Malwarebytes, an antivirus software program firm, initially reported that there was a knowledge breach revealing the “delicate info” of 17.5 million Instagram customers. Malwarebytes added that the leak included Instagram usernames, bodily addresses, cellphone numbers, e mail addresses and extra. Nevertheless, Instagram said there was no breach and that person accounts have been “safe.”

In Malwarebytes publish, the corporate added that the “information is offered on the market on the darkish internet and will be abused by cybercriminals.” Malwarebytes famous in an e mail to its prospects 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 info may 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 mounted a difficulty that allow an exterior get together request password reset emails for some folks,” Instagram’s publish 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 father or mother firm has been in sizzling 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 Heart.

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.