Application security, Vulnerability Management

Instagram testing simpler method to retrieve hacked accounts

Instagram is in the process of making it easier for its users to recover hacked accounts.

The Facebook-owned social media site today began testing an in-app method, essentially a two-factor authentication tool, that will be triggered either when Instagram notes the user is having trouble logging in or by the user clicking “need more help” on the login page. The app will then ask the person for some specific information related to the account, email account or a phone number that is associated with it, and then send a six-digit code to the contact source indicated that will allow entry to the account.

“This experience allows you to recover your account even if the account information has been changed by a hacker e.g. if the username and associated contact information is changed. As we improve this experience, in the next few months our goal is to allow you to recover your account directly in the app, without the need for additional support from our community operations team,” Instagram said in a statement.

This test is iOS only, Android will follow soon.

The test is being rolled out only to those using iOS devices, but Instagram told SC Media Android will soon follow.

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