Have you ever received an email that appeared to be from Instagram but was actually sent by hackers? A new measure should ensure that you immediately know that the message is not real.
This is how Instagram tackles hacks
The new option is called ‘Emails from Instagram’ and can be found in the settings menu of the app. The function should ensure that phishing messages can be unmasked more easily. These types of e-mails, for example, try to find out your login details. To view Instagram emails:
- Go to your profile page (the rightmost tab);
- Tap the three lines at the top;
- Choose ‘Settings’ and go to ‘Security’;
- Select ‘Emails from Instagram’.
This page contains an overview of all the emails Instagram has sent you in the past two weeks. That way you can easily find out whether a message is real or not. The list contains both the title and content of the most recent emails. The update is rolling out immediately for Instagram users.
Also interesting: How to delete your Instagram profile in 3 steps
Instagram hack
The social platform does not disclose why it added this feature. However, it probably has to do with a large-scale phishing attack that took place two months ago. In doing so, malicious parties tried to find out the login details of Instagram users.
Instagram phishing usually looks like this. You get an email that appears to be from the company and has been copied down to the last detail, but actually comes from a malicious person. The message asks you to change your password because there is something wrong with it. You will then be sent to a counterfeit website.
Here you have to re-enter the old password ‘for confirmation’. In reality, you are now handing over your Instagram credentials to the malicious parties. They will then change your password and associated email address so that you no longer have access to your Instagram profile. Of course you first have to pull the wallet to regain access.
Also of interest: Recognizing and preventing phishing on your Apple device
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