These malicious individuals behind the Instagram virus aim to take over your account to get valuable information. Similar to the previous viruses, these apps will ask you to log in using your Instagram account details so they can take over your account. Thus, any websites, platforms, or applications that claim to do so are lying. However, for privacy reasons, they do not publicize these types of information. These applications are also rampant on other social networking sites and platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. Some apps claim to let you see a list of Instagram users who have viewed your profile. Its goal to collect users’ account details and information are similar to the Ugly List and Nasty List viruses. However, the Hot List virus tricks people into thinking that they are part of a list of hot and attractive users. The Hot List virus is very similar to The Nasty List Instagram virus. Much like the Ugly List, it will lead you to a fake login page where it will ask you to log in using your Instagram account details. A corresponding bio description will also instruct you to click on the said website link to see how you’ve ranked. On that profile, you will see a link in the website section. So, once you tap on it, it will take you to their profile. Usually, the message includes a user’s clickable account handle.

However, it uses direct messaging instead of tagging people in posts or comments to target their victims.Īs a tagged user, you will typically receive a direct message from a hacked account telling you how you are on a list of unattractive Instagram users. The Nasty List Instagram virus is a slight variation of the Ugly List. Then, much like a domino effect, they will use your account next to continue posting the Ugly List and tag your followers this time. As such, after successfully logging in, the people behind the Ugly List will have your account details. Once you tap on it, it will ask you to log in using your Instagram account information. Tagged comments such as these may look like “OMG, ur included in this list of ugly people” or “wow, your account is ranked #15 in this ugly list.”Īs a tagged user, you will receive a notification with a link that supposedly leads you to the said list. Using a hacked account, malicious individuals tag followers in a post with a comment stating how they are in some list of ugly people. Among this Instagram scam’s common variations include the following: Much like its traditional and scientific equivalent, the Instagram virus takes in many forms and sizes. The Instagram virus is a phishing scam or phishing attack that tries to trick you into giving up your login information. Malicious individuals created the virus to lead people to spoof web pages through links that appear in their feed posts or fake profile bio sections. The term “Instagram virus” is used to describe the extensive and ever-evolving array of malware viruses and phishing scams on the social networking platform. Image Source: Freepik The Instagram Virus

Direct message for instagram malware