Can a private Instagram account really be accessed?

Yes, your professor is likely right. It's disturbingly easy for someone with basic hacking skills to access accounts. I've always warned my family to avoid posting anything that could come back to haunt them.

Definitely make sure you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled. That adds an extra layer of security to your account.

They might be exaggerating. If your account was ever public, someone could have accessed your posts. Plus, it’s common to fall for social engineering tricks where someone poses as another person to gain info. Just be cautious about what you share and keep your account private, which limits who can see your stuff.

Hacking can happen in many ways, from weak passwords to unlocked phones. Instagram even has a guide for reporting hacks if you ever feel unsafe.

It depends on who the person trying to access your account is. In general, nothing online is completely safe. Facebook is clear about owning your data. Hacking happens all the time, and people often reuse weak passwords. A friend of mine told me that even high-level people have used default passwords! Be careful about the info and pictures you post.