One of the biggest problems Instagram faces is the compromise of its accounts.
The social media platform said it will make a series of changesthat will allow users to regain access to their hacked accounts. These changes come with the new Instagram update. The platform had faced several issues last year, after a series of attacks on Instagram users resulted in their accounts being compromised and unable to be recovered.
These changes are currently in beta. When the update is released, users will be able to access account recovery tools directly in the app, even if hackers have changed their account information. If a user can't log in to their account, Instagram will give them the option to enter some account-related information, such as their email or phone number.
Instagram will then send a code verification, which will grant access to the account. Additionally, any other devices that are connected to the account . So if a hacker has access to the email , they won't be able to use the recovery code.
These changes are very significant. Previously, hackers could change the email, phone number, or username associated with an account. This made it extremely difficult for the real owner to navigate the automated support system.
Many users reported that with the changes made by the hackers, Instagram was sending recovery emails to the hackers' address instead of theirs. They were also sometimes unable to verify identity , even after providing the requested information. As a result, many users resorted to more complicated procedures, filing impersonation reports and leaving voicemails for support.
Instagram's goal is to avoid all of these processes and integrate the entire recovery process into the app. Of course, according to an Instagram spokesperson, additional support will continue to be available.
This new process will also apply to individuals whose accounts were compromised in the past.
Instagram is also trying to address another major, related issue: theft . Hackers often change usernames and reuse them to create new accounts or sell them on dark forums.
Instagram announced that with the new update, usernames that have been used will not be available to others for several days, making it harder for hackers to steal the usernames.
Of course, these changes won't completely eliminate attacks and account breaches, but they will make it harder for hackers to do so and make it easier to recover compromised accounts.
