Instagram launches security checkup for people whose accounts have been hacked

Instagram introduced a new security check today for any people whose accounts have been hacked before. People with previously compromised accounts will see a prompt when they log in asking if they want to start a security checkup.

When a user logs in on Instagram, they will receive a pop-up if their account was compromised in the past. The Security Checkup will then guide people, whose accounts may have been hacked, through the steps needed to secure them. This includes checking login activity, reviewing profile information, confirming the accounts that share login information and updating account recoveries contact information such as phone number or email.

The feature walks users through security steps, including confirming other accounts that share login information, reviewing login activity, and keeping recovery contact information updated. It’s also planning to add WhatsApp 2FA.

Additionally, Instagram also listed a few other recommend steps that everyone could take to make their account even more secure:

Enable two-factor authentication – If you’re using WhatsApp, in the coming weeks you will be able to protect your account using your WhatsApp number in certain countries. Alternatively, you can enable two-factor using your phone number, or an authenticator app like Duo Mobile or Google Authentication.

Instagram says there’s been an uptick in accounts claiming to be Instagram in direct messages to get people to share their passwords. Instagram only sends emails, and you can check to see if an email’s authentic by looking at the “Emails from Instagram” tab in settings.