As the number of hacks on Instagram accounts increases, the platform is rolling out the new “Security Checkup alert” for app users. This feature is designed to protect Instagram accounts, prompting users to update their account information and settings.
As explained by Instagram in a news posted on Tuesday:
“Security Checkup will guide people, whose accounts may have been hacked, through the steps needed to secure them.“
Users whose accounts have been hacked will be prompted (they’ll see a prompt when logging in) to carry out a security check-up. This feature guides users through certain steps such as verifying other accounts that share login information, verifying login activity, and updating recovery contact information.
Presently Instagram has security options for account owners to add current phone numbers and use authentication apps. The Social platform plans to support two-factor authentication via WhatsApp.
According to Instagram, malicious accounts have been in direct messages to get people to share sensitive information such as their account passwords. Instagram says it only sends emails.
“If Instagram ever wants to reach you about your account, we will do so via the “Emails from Instagram” tab in your settings, which is the only place you will find direct and authentic communication from us on the app.”
If you haven’t turned on two-factor authentication on your Instagram account, you’ll need to. You can activate it with your current mobile number or use an authentication app such as 2FAS, Duo Mobile and Google Authenticator. However, in a couple of weeks, you will be able to use your WhatsApp account as your 2FA. That is, if you live in one of the countries where the new feature will be enabled.
Instagram is also encouraging you to make sure that the email address and phone numbers associated with your account are updated. You should also enable log-in requests so you will get a prompt when someone wants to to log in with a device that is not recognised.
