Losing access to your social media can be a distressing experience.
In the past, a wave of Instagram users had their accounts hacked and had been locked out of their handles. In some cases, the victims had even resorted to third-party ethical hackers to get their accounts unlocked. But it looks like, Instagram itself has looked into the issue and will soon introduce a new digital security feature.
Instagram is currently testing an in-app feature that could make it easier for users to regain their hacked credentials. The Facebook-owned app has decided on a few security features as well that can make stealing digital alibi harder, including usernames and email addresses linked to high-profile Instagram handles and business profiles.
The customer support has already been extended to Android and the features will soon be available on iOS.
It will now be easier for users to sign in and reclaim their account even if the hacker alters the username and contact information on the particular handle. Locking down the username will enable users speed up the recovery process without having to depend on more time-consuming procedure such as waiting for the recovery mail. Users won’t need to fill out a support form and can have their profiles back without the help of security team.
The much-need move is likely to slow down some account takeover methods.
There were instances where hackers held some Instagram accounts, hostage. Targets, mainly lifestyle and fitness influencers were approached on the app for business collaborations and sponsorship by hackers and were sent a phishing mail. After breaking into their accounts, the hackers changed the victim’s passwords and demanded a payment made in bitcoin.
