Instagram is one of the most widely used picture sharing apps globally. According to Alexa, Instagram is currently ranked as the 13th most popular website all around the world. Cybercriminals have hit the presence of such a large number of users in the past.
Last year, Facebook-owned Instagram was breached and exposed the sensitive data of approximately 49 million users. The leak resulted from an unsecured Amazon Web Services server connected to the internet, a trend that trapped a significant number of high-profile companies. It also included Facebook in an incident that happened before.
The breach did not expose the financial information, but it gives access to contact information and locations not meant to be for the public. The database included city, country location, profile pictures, email address, contact numbers, and numbers of followers of each user.
It is not the first time when a breach of this nature has taken place. In April 2019, 540 million Instagram account records were exposed by two open AWS buckets owned by Latin American digital media publishers.
With all this, it has become crucial to protect your Instagram account from potential hackers. In this post, we’re discussing eight ways to stay protected on Instagram. Let’s read on.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If you’re concerned about cyber crooks hacking your account and fear someone posting on your Instagram without your consent, then enabling two-factor authentication is the best way to secure your account. Setting up two-factor authentication is essential because, by using an additional authentication method after you enter your password, a hacker won’t access your account without the physical access to your connected device, no matter if they’ve your pin code or not.
To enable this feature, go through your profile and tap on the () icon. Go to the setting menu and tap on Security> Two-factor authentication > Get started. Select to set up two-factor authentication via text message or an independent authentication app like Google Authenticator.
In case your smartphone is having some connectivity issues, and you’re unable to receive the security code so, go to settings > security > 2FA> recovery codes. Use the displayed codes to get the login.
Check Location Settings
Any user can automatically watch all the public stories of that area on Instagram by searching for a specific location. It does not just reveal about people’s whereabouts but also identify the particular location where the story was captured. From a security perspective, it poses real issues.
As brands remain unaffected, it applies to everyday users and influencers. Influencers share online information that others potentially dig deeper with. Adding location allows malicious followers to build a picture of exact everyday movements. To get around this, check your location settings as this removes the vulnerability of getting hacked. The best way to hide your location on the web is to use a VPN. Using a VPN efficiently encrypts your internet traffic and hides your location as well. Hurry up! and download free VPN now to avail its benefits.
Avoid Getting Phished
A phishing scam is on the rise these days. Hackers use sophisticated techniques to fool the victims. Now, as the social media apps you use sent you emails, attackers are using this platform to launch phishing attacks.
To assist users in differentiating among official and fake emails, the Instagram team is providing Emails from the Instagram tab, that allows anyone to check if an email claiming to be from Instagram is real or not. This feature is found via settings > security >emails from Instagram.
A security tab pops up a list of emails Instagram sent to their users within the last 14 days regarding account security along with the locations from where you’ve logged in. There is also another tab that displays the other remaining emails Instagram sent you in that same period.
Remove Access to Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps connect to Instagram to provide extra functionality all across the web. However, it is quite easy to lose track of the various apps you’ve connected to your account. Moreover, the cyber-criminals get access to your app by entering a single app.
To avoid this from happening, keep tabs on this connection through settings > security > apps and websites where you view the active and authorized apps. Later, give access or remove the services you don’t want. From the web, click to the gear icon to get access to the settings menu and tab on Authorized Apps.
Mute Account
If someone’s posts and stuff is irritating you and you do not like it, so mute them. You remain friends, but you restrict yourself from seeing their posts. The app also doesn’t notify that person of your action—mute an account by clicking on a three-dot menu present next to the name of the user.
Another way is to visit an account profile, click on the following, and choose mute from the menu. You’ve three options, i.e., mute a user’s account, posts, stories, or both of them. Long press the story icon at the top of the feed and select mute from the menu to quickly mute their stories—mute messages or even video chat by tapping the information icon in direct messages. To manage your mute list, Go to settings > Privacy > Muted Account.
Don’t Forget to Log Out.
It is perfect to remain logged in your Instagram account from your phone or other devices. However, don’t forget to log out from your account if you have signed in from a device that you did not own. You never know who is next to log in on to a public device. Thus, be careful and do not click on the “Remember Me” box.
Check Location Settings
Any user can automatically watch all the public stories of that area on Instagram by searching for a specific location. It does not just reveal about people’s whereabouts but also identify the particular location where the story was captured. From a security perspective, it poses real issues.
As brands remain unaffected, it applies to everyday users and influencers. Influencers share online information that others potentially dig deeper with. Adding location allows malicious followers to build a picture of exact everyday movements. To get around this, check your location settings as this removes the vulnerability of getting hacked.
Security of Payments
Back in 2018, Instagram introduced new ventures for e-commerce business. Nowadays, while using Instagram, you can shop easily. The introduction of such features has increased the growth of cybercrimes as well. To prevent credential theft, spoofing, or accidental buying, add a passcode feature for your card linked to your profile.
To set the Pin Code, Go to Settings > Payments > Security Pin. Turn on this feature for additional safety of your bank account. Similarly, the use of paid service wisely. Many people use paid services to gain likes and followers and promote their brand or blog. Not using this feature appropriately leads to identity theft. Therefore, take these services from trustworthy services. The ones that are not worthy of your attention offer you a large number of likes or services. Secondly, a period of delivery other than instant is a mark for scammers.
Final Thoughts
We’re hopeful that you find these tips helpful while protecting your Instagram account and won’t think twice in following these steps. No one is always 100% careful. Hence, it is crucial to take steps to keep your account safe and secure. Moreover, it is a good idea to think before authorizing the third-party app. always be prepared, take necessary precautions, and prevent your account from getting hacked.
Rebecca James: Enthusiastic Cybersecurity Journalist, A creative team leader, editor of “VPN Info section of PrivacyCrypts”.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebecca_jeames