Instagram Virus | What It Is, How to Recognize and Remove It

Any type of internet connection can put us at risk of acquiring viruses because that is the medium in which these malicious files are downloaded to our devices. Social networks are no exception to this. In this article we are going to talk about what is known as the Virus Instagram.

For all users of this social network, this is very important information that you should know in order to keep your devices protected from virtual threats that could be very harmful not only to the systems of your electronic devices but also to your privacy and security.

About Instagram Virus

The term “Instagram Virus” is generally used to refer to entities of malware that spread on Instagram through phishing campaigns. Viruses are embedded as part of posts and messages that, once clicked, take users to fake websites that sometimes trick their victims into sharing passwords and other sensitive information.

Examples of Instagram Viruses

As noted, there are many versions of the Instagram virus. Below is a list of the most common ones:

1. Ugly List

The Instagram Ugly List virus uses a hacked account to send posts to the victim's friends, informing them that they have been included in some Instagram list of ugly people.

Users who click on the dubious posts are redirected to what appears to be a login page requiring Instagram credentials. of the user to see the “Ugly List”.

Those who fall for this trick fall victim to having their information stolen and are also used to spread malware.

The goal of the people behind the Ugly List malware is not just to hack as many Instagram accounts as possible. They are more interested in getting a high-profile Instagram account of some famous celebrities, whom they can then blackmail for money.

2. Nasty List

Instagram Nasty List virus works in the same way as Ugly List virus. The only main difference is that Nasty List virus uses direct messages to address his victims.

Instagram account holders receive a message notifying them that they have been included in some list that has ranked their Instagram profile based on its attractiveness. A clickable link, which leads to a fake Instagram login page, is included as part of the message. Users who click on the link and subsequently share their login information unwittingly have their Instagram accounts recruited to further spread the malware.

Similar to the Instagram virus, the ultimate goal of the Nasty List virus is to hijack a high-profile account of some celebrity, corporation, or business entity, and steal their information and use it for financial or identity fraud.

3. Who viewed your Instagram profile

Who Viewed Your Instagram Profile Virus is a nasty virus that is promoted as a third-party application(s) that supposedly allows you to see who viewed your Instagram profile.

Some people fall victim to this trick, but if they would just read Instagram's terms and conditions, they would know that Instagram does not make such information available for obvious privacy reasons. The app's goal is to get you to share your login details so they can hack your account.

4. Virus Hot List

The Hot List virus is identical to the Nasty List and Ugly List viruses, except that this one tricks its victims into believing that they have made it onto the list of “hot” Instagram accounts. Its ultimate goal is similar to the other viruses. It simply wants your Instagram login credentials.

5. Ray-Ban sunglasses

A while ago, the sunglasses brand Ray-Ban was used to launch a massive spam campaign that tricked users into clicking on ads loaded with ads that claimed to offer discounts of up to 70% on many Ray-Ban products. Clicking on the ads only redirected users to websites that required them to share login information.

How to know if you have an Instagram virus

There are two obvious signs of Instagram virus infection; the first is when You start seeing suspicious posts and messagesIf these posts are posted directly to your feed, supposedly by you or someone else, you have definitely been infected with the virus.

The second telltale sign of an Instagram virus infection is when Your user credentials, such as password and email address, are changed without your knowledge.

How to remove the Instagram virus

The first thing you should do when you suspect suspicious activity on your Instagram account is change your password immediately. This will prevent your account from being used for spam.
To change your Instagram account password:

• Go to your Profile
• Go to Menu and click on Settings > Security > Password
• Once there, make your password change

In case you are unable to access your Instagram account, go to the hacked accounts help page Instagram. Also, revoke any permissions you’ve granted to third-party apps. No app should be able to post on your behalf.

Finally, you should scan your computer with a premium utility tool like Outbyte Antivirus, as the Instagram virus may have caused secondary infections. So, even if you are able to remove the virus from your Instagram account, other malware entities may still remain on your device be it PC or Phone.

An anti-malware solution works best with a PC repair tool, as the latter will remove cookies and junk files that may harbor viruses. The repair tool also has the added ability to improve your machine's performance by optimizing RAM and repairing corrupted registry entries.

How to avoid the Instagram virus

It is important to know that the best thing you can do is prevent this virus from entering your account and wreaking havoc. Here are ways to avoid the Instagram virus:

• Verify the authenticity of any link before clicking on it.
• If someone tags you on a list or rank you're part of, it's obviously fake, as making such a list would be a serious violation of Instagram's privacy policy.
• Avoid third-party apps that ask for “Permission to post on your behalf.”
• Don't share your account credentials with any app or website, it won't do you any good.
• If a friend's account starts posting suspicious posts and messages, let them know and recommend that they change their password as soon as possible.
• Avoid profiles that have no posts and that ask you to visit a particular site.

Final words

Whenever we use a social network, it is important to know its privacy policies and understand what things we can and cannot do. This is a good way to recognize strange accounts and misleading advertising that may be carrying harmful viruses.

If you think you may be a victim of Instagram Virus, don't hesitate to take the right steps to keep your account secure and protect your contacts from receiving dangerous information from your account.

Be careful with the links you open on Instagram, because viruses can affect you in multiple ways and can even be gateways for other dangerous malware.