Instagram launches new tool to secure users' accounts
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Facebook-owned social media platform Instagram unveiled a new feature on July 13 called Security Checkup for people whose accounts have been hacked before.
The feature is designed to improve the security of users' accounts as well as to guide users that have been hacked through the process needed to secure their accounts once more.
"Over the past few months, we've seen a rise in malicious accounts DMing people to try and access sensitive information like account passwords," said Instagram in a statement.
The direct messages (DMs), claiming to be from Instagram, scam users by saying that their accounts are at risk of being banned, that the users are violating Instagram's policies etc., in a bid to procure sensitive information.
Over the past two months, the social media platform sent notices that appeared at the top of users' inboxes warning them against such DMs.
Instagram reiterated that the photo-sharing platform will never send users direct messages and that all communication from them will be through the 'Emails from Instagram' tab found under settings.
The new Security Checkup feature allows users to check login activity, review profile information, confirm accounts that share the same login information and update accounts recovery contact information, such as phone number or email.
Instagram also recommended users make their accounts more secure by enabling two-factor authentication and login requests, keeping linked phone numbers and email up-to-date, and reporting questionable content and accounts.
"We strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication. If you're using WhatsApp, in the coming weeks you will be able to protect your account using your WhatsApp number in certain countries," said Instagram. Users can also enable two-factor authentication through authenticator apps such as Duo Mobile or Google Authentication.
Instagram also stated that significant improvements were made to their Support Inbox feature which allows users to track previous reports made by them, amongst other things.