Instagram is a popular social medium that lets users share photos, videos, and messages with their followers. While it can be a fun and engaging way to connect with others, it’s important to stay safe. Here are some tips to help.
Use 2FA
It’s recommended you enable two-factor authentication to make your account more secure. To activate 2FA on Instagram, go to More in the bottom left, then Settings. The left menu has Privacy and Security, under which you’ll find 2FA. Go to Edit and add your security method of choice. The app will provide instructions.
There are three possible security methods: WhatsApp, text message, and authentication app. The platform recommends the third option. You can download Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile as an authentication app and receive login codes. The platform recommends this security method because it makes it possible to add more than one device linked to the same account.
You can only use the Insta app for iPhone and Android to turn on two-factor authentication via an authentication app.
If you choose to secure your account by receiving a text message, you’ll get your login code sent to your mobile phone number.
To use WhatsApp, you must activate the previous security method. Then, activate WhatsApp to get your login code from it.
You can see login requests after turning on two-factor authentication. Using a backup code is possible if you lose access to your email or phone.
Block or report suspicious accounts
If someone is making you feel uncomfortable with their inappropriate behaviour or otherwise, don’t hesitate to block their account. You can also check if you were blocked on Instagram by looking up the person’s account. If you can’t see their profile image or find their account, they might have blocked you. To make sure, try accessing their posts and profile through another account. If it emerges that you can, they did block you.
Change your password regularly
The platform can recover login details that were stolen from other websites during automated security checks. If it finds your password was stolen, it will send you a warning to change it. Do heed this warning. This will serve to secure your account and prevent the risk of hacking.
External sources can compromise your account if you’re using the same password on another app or website. If that source suffers a data breach, your security is at risk. This can also occur if you have allowed an untrustworthy third-party app to sync with your Instagram account. Apps that get your login details obtain full access to your account, no matter whether you provided your username and password or an access token.
If someone can access your email, they can access your Instagram too. Don’t use the same passwords for different email accounts. The recommendation to change passwords regularly is valid here too.
Back up your data
You can back up your data by asking for a copy of all your posts and everything else you’ve shared on the social medium. You’ll receive one in HTML or JSON format. You’ll need to provide your Instagram account password to ask for this information.
If you’re using a shared computer, log out of the platform. Never check “Remember me” when using a public computer because you’ll remain logged into your account even after ending your browsing session.