EMC Corp's security division RSA said Zeus, a computer virus widely utilized to embezzle credit card data, has been altered to make fake likes in Instagram. The app that generates misleading likes were made available to create noise for a corporation or an individual. 

According to the cyber experts at RSA, the bogus likes were sold in collections of 1,000 on hacker forums in the internet. Forum websites had been the cyber criminals' area to share credit card numbers and other data stolen from personal computers. RSA said anyone with USD15 could purchase 1,000 followers in Instagram through these forums. Also, 1,000 Instagram likes could cost USD30, while 1,000 credit card numbers could be acquired for as little as USD6.

"People perceive importance on what is trending," WordStream's senior data analyst, Victor Pan, said. "It is the bandwagon effect."

Last year, Facebook bought Instagram for USD1 billion. The social network said it is currently in the process of strengthening its security on Instagram. "We work hard to limit spam on our service and prohibit the creation of accounts through unauthorized or automated means," Instagram spokesman Michael Kirkland said.