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Instagram Says Bug Behind Password Reset Flood as 17 Million-Record Dataset Resurfaces

Instagram reports the emails resulted from a now-fixed reset request bug.

Overview

  • Meta says it patched an issue that let an external party trigger password reset emails and that accounts remain secure.
  • Malwarebytes flagged a trove of roughly 17–17.5 million Instagram records circulating on dark‑web forums.
  • Security researchers report the dataset appears to be recycled from earlier scrapes rather than a fresh breach.
  • The records reportedly exclude passwords but include emails, phone numbers and partial addresses that facilitate phishing and SIM‑swap scams.
  • Users are urged to enable app‑based two‑factor authentication, verify messages from @mail.instagram.com, and manage resets only inside Instagram.