Instagram denies breach amid claims of 17 million account data leak

BleepingComputer

January 11, 2026 at 7:13 PM

Actively Exploited

Overview

Instagram has recently addressed a vulnerability that enabled attackers to send mass password reset requests, which raised concerns about a potential data leak affecting over 17 million accounts. Although the company has denied that a data breach occurred, the incident has drawn attention to the security of user information on the platform. Users may have been at risk of having their account details scraped and shared online. This situation is particularly concerning as it highlights how easily attackers can exploit weaknesses in security systems to potentially access sensitive information. Instagram's prompt action to fix the issue is crucial, but it also serves as a reminder for users to secure their accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

Key Takeaways

Active Exploitation: This vulnerability is being actively exploited by attackers. Immediate action is recommended.
Affected Systems: Instagram accounts
Action Required: Instagram has fixed the bug that allowed mass password reset requests.
Timeline: Newly disclosed

Original Article Summary

Instagram says it fixed a bug that allowed threat actors to mass-request password reset emails, amid claims that data from more than 17 million Instagram accounts was scraped and leaked online. [...]

Impact

Instagram accounts

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is confirmed to be actively exploited by attackers in real-world attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching or implementing workarounds immediately.

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Instagram has fixed the bug that allowed mass password reset requests.

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

Related Topics: This incident relates to Exploit, Vulnerability, Data Breach.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

Verizon outage affects over 2 million users: What 'SOS' means, refunds, more updates

Alleged Dell data compromise raises skepticism

SCM feed for Latest

A recent report has cast doubt on the authenticity of a claimed data breach involving Dell. The incident allegedly compromised a database containing over 5,000 records, which include emails from more than 2,000 employees. However, security experts and researchers are questioning the validity of this breach, suggesting the information may not be as serious as it appears. If true, this situation could expose sensitive employee data, raising concerns about privacy and security within the company. As investigations continue, it remains essential for organizations to remain vigilant about potential data breaches and to verify claims before reacting.

Jan 15, 2026

Intensified curtailment of North Korean cyber threats sought by US

SCM feed for Latest

The U.S. is calling on United Nations member states to strengthen sanctions against North Korea, particularly targeting its IT worker scheme and cryptocurrency thefts. These activities are believed to finance North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. By pressuring other nations to take action, the U.S. aims to limit North Korea's ability to fund its military ambitions through cybercrime. This situation raises concerns among international cybersecurity experts, as North Korean cyber operations have become increasingly sophisticated and threatening. The focus on sanctions reflects a broader strategy to curb the regime's funding sources and deter its aggressive military posture.

Jan 15, 2026

AsyncRAT campaign exploits Cloudflare services to hide attacks

SCM feed for Latest

Researchers have identified a malware campaign utilizing AsyncRAT, a remote access tool, which is being cleverly masked by cybercriminals through Cloudflare's services. By using Cloudflare’s free-tier offerings and TryCloudflare tunneling domains, attackers are able to host malicious WebDAV servers. This tactic allows them to hide their operations behind a trusted infrastructure, making detection more difficult. The campaign raises significant concerns for organizations relying on Cloudflare, as it shows how legitimate services can be exploited for malicious purposes. Companies must remain vigilant and enhance their security measures to counteract such deceptive tactics that can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Jan 15, 2026

South Korean giant Kyowon confirms data theft in ransomware attack

BleepingComputer

The Kyowon Group, a major South Korean conglomerate, has confirmed that it fell victim to a ransomware attack that has significantly disrupted its operations. During this incident, customer information may have been compromised, raising concerns about potential identity theft and fraud. The company is currently investigating the extent of the data breach and working to restore its systems. This attack not only affects Kyowon’s business operations but also puts its customers at risk as their personal data might be exposed. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, businesses must prioritize cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information.

Jan 14, 2026

Retail, Services Industries Under Fire in Oceania

darkreading

In 2022, businesses in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, particularly in retail and construction, faced a surge in cyberattacks, outpacing incidents in critical sectors such as healthcare and utilities. This trend indicates that smaller, Main Street businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals, who often view them as more vulnerable due to their limited resources for cybersecurity. The rise in attacks could lead to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and compromise of customer data, which would have lasting impacts on these businesses and their clients. As cyber threats evolve, it’s crucial for these industries to strengthen their defenses and adopt better security practices to protect against future breaches.

Jan 14, 2026