Instagram alerts users targeted in AI chatbot hacking attacks
Original: Instagram is alerting users who were targeted by hackers during AI chatbot attacks
Why This Matters
Highlights critical AI security vulnerabilities in major social platforms
Meta is notifying Instagram users whose accounts were compromised through attacks exploiting the company's AI chatbot. Hackers simply asked Meta's AI to link target accounts to their emails, bypassing security measures.
A widespread hacking campaign exploited Meta's AI support chatbot to take over Instagram accounts by simply requesting account email changes. Hackers told the AI chatbot they owned target accounts and asked to link them to hacker-controlled emails, allowing password resets and account takeovers. High-profile victims included dormant accounts with valuable 'OG handles' and the U.S. Space Force chief master sergeant's account. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the issue was fixed Monday, but new hack claims emerged Tuesday. The company secured affected accounts and began sending password reset notifications to victims. Hackers were advertising stolen handles for sale on Telegram channels.