Instagram is getting a new security feature for users whose accounts may have been hacked in the past. The new feature, aimed at making user accounts more secure, will guide users through the steps needed to keep their accounts secure.
Steps include checking login activity, updating profile information, verifying accounts with shared login information, and updating account recovery details.
Instagram is also exploring a new ‘redistribution’ sticker in the news to make sharing photos, IGTV, reels, and videos in the news easier.
Explaining in detail the Security Check feature on his blog, Instagram said: “Security checks will direct people, who may have their accounts hacked, with the necessary steps to protect them.”
Users whose accounts have been compromised in the past will be notified when they sign in asking them to check the security check.
It will take them with the necessary steps to protect their accounts. The communication platform also discussed the many ways in which users can keep their accounts secure.
One of the recommended ways to protect your account is to enable two-factor authentication. Instagram states that users in certain countries will be able to secure their Instagram accounts using their WhatsApp accounts.
Users can also turn on two-factor authentication using their phone numbers or with authentication apps such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator. The social media platform has elaborated on its two-factor authentication on its support page.
Instagram also says users should make sure their connected mobile numbers and email id are updated regularly. Contact details belong to the social media platform to contact users in case of suspicion of their account.
It mentions on its support page how this step helps protect the account.
One of the things Instagram has emphasized about account security is that it will never send any user Direct Messages (DMs) to any user.
The social media site said a number of reports claimed that Instagram DM’ed them to change their password. It should be noted that Instagram only sends a message under the ’email from Instagram’ tab in settings.
Users are also advised to report malicious content and accounts they see on the platform.
Social media said users can report content “by tapping three dots above the post, by texting, or by visiting the account and reporting directly from the profile.” Instagram also elaborates on the reporting process.
Blog posts suggest that users should report suspicious login activity as they will receive notifications when they or anyone else tries to sign in to their account.
Users can also view a list of newly signed devices under Settings> Security> Login Activity. Users can find more information about this on the Instagram support website.
In addition to security-related updates, social media is testing a new feature that allows users to share recent posts they’ve seen, saved, liked, or posted from the “recently viewed” tab.
This tab will appear and a ‘redistribution’ attachment will be selected to send the story. Additionally, users can install IGTV, reels, and feed video content. A new feature was first spotted by The Verge.
