Instagram Launches New Feature, It's Useful For Accounts That Once Hacked

JAKARTA - Has your Instagram account ever been hacked? Don't worry, you won't experience the same thing again, because Instagram has just launched a new security feature called Security Checkup.

This feature serves to help users whose accounts have been hacked. When a user whose Instagram account has been hacked logs in again, they will be asked if they want to start a security check on their account.

Later, users will also be guided to follow the steps needed to secure their accounts. These include checking login activity, reviewing profile information, confirming the account sharing login information, and updating account recovery contact information such as phone number or email.

The presence of the new Security Checkup feature is based on the fact that Instagram often finds reports of an increase in the number of accounts receiving direct messages (DM) on behalf of themselves as Instagram.

The worse part, the DM asks users to share their password. In fact, the company ensures that it only sends checkable emails with the words "Emails from Instagram" for various purposes related to user accounts. Likely from bots trying to access multiple accounts at once.

Not only introducing the Security Checkup feature, but Instagram also provides tips for securing user accounts, as quoted by VOI from the Instagram blog, Thursday 15 July.

1. Enable two-factor authentication

Instagram advises users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to receive a login code via SMS or an app like Google Authenticator. In the near future, Instagram users will also be able to receive 2FA codes via WhatsApp.

2. Update phone number and email

Make sure the phone number and email you registered as account information on Instagram are up-to-date. This latest data is important because it can help users restore hacked accounts even if the information has been changed by hackers.

3. Pay attention to incoming DMs

Recently, Instagram has found many fake accounts claiming to be Instagram and sending DMs to access sensitive information such as passwords. DMs like these are usually scams and violate Instagram policies. The company emphasizes senders never send DMs to users.

4. Report suspicious content and accounts

Instagram users can report individual content or accounts that are considered suspicious by opening the account and reporting directly from their profile.

5. Enable login request

Finally, after enabling 2FA on Instagram, users will receive a warning if someone tries to log into their account from an unknown device or browser. Users can accept or deny this login request and see a list of what devices can access their Instagram account.