Instagram improves its two-step verification to keep hackers out. This is how this new, improved security will work.
This is how Instagram security will improve
In a statement to Techcrunch let Instagram know that this new way of Instagram two-step verification will continue to exist alongside the current form. Currently, it is already possible to secure your account with an SMS code, although this code can also be intercepted and therefore less secure, Motherboard discovered this week.
Now you can recover and log into an Instagram account if you can prove your identity with a phone number associated with the account. As soon as a malicious person gains access to your number and links it to a new SIM card, your account can be stolen that way.
This only requires a zip code or other personal data, data that are lying around on the internet due to the large amount of data leaks of millions of people. That also makes two-step verification via SMS not secure enough.
Two-step verification with external app
That’s why Instagram will soon add the option to use two-step verification via a third-party app like Google Authenticator and Authy. This app continuously generates six-digit codes that are renewed after a few seconds. This makes it very difficult for a hacker to gain access to the login details of your account and the correct authentication code in that short time.
It is not yet clear when the new security will be available, although a developer did discover that Instagram is currently testing a version in the Android app. It shows that you can add an authentication app and then shield Instagram that way with an extra (second) step.
Are you looking for a good authenticator app to secure your online accounts? Below you can read more about our favorite for iOS:
Also read: Step Two makes two-step authentication easy with iCloud sync