How to keep your Instagram account safe from phishing attacks

If you’re an avid Instagram user, here are some tips you can follow to keep your account safe from phishing attacks.

Instagram

Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps with over 500 million daily active users globally. Instagram users are also prone to phishing attacks from people sending malicious links through DMs pretending to be from the company. This leads to Instagram users losing access to their accounts.

Instagram already has security features that aim to keep accounts secure. Users also need to practice some security measures and be aware of any suspicious activity. If you're an avid Instagram user, here are some tips you can follow to keep your account safe from phishing attacks.

Two-factor authentication

This security feature is advised for every online service we use for personal and professional means. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account as it requires one more verification after entering the password. You can get codes via SMS to your registered mobile number or by other apps such as Duo Mobile or Google Authenticator.

Strong password

Keeping passwords for different accounts can be cumbersome but it's highly important to do so. Strong passwords containing at least six letters, numbers and punctuation marks are suggested.

Third-party apps

There are quite a bunch of third-party apps that are available for Instagram. This can be for saving Instagram Stories to your phone, checking who unfollowed you, grid makers and more. These third-party apps may require access to your profile which can lead to your login information getting exposed. It's advisable to revoke access to such third-party apps.

Phishing DMs

Instagram users are often sent messages via DMs pretending to be official communication from the company. Note that Instagram never communicates via DMs and any official communication is made via email. You can also confirm this by going to Settings > Security > Instagram emails.

Hacked accounts

If you notice any suspicious activity in your Instagram account you can follow this link and to take actions that are accessible.