Instagram tries new, easier way to recover hacked accounts

There have been cases of Instagram accounts being hacked where the actual users can’t get in because the hackers immediately hijack the recovery tools to help users recover accounts. But now, Instagram is hoping this new method will make it easier for users to get a hold of hacked accounts as well as stop hackers from getting in in the first place. Instead of having to wait for an email or filling out a support form, the Instagram app will ask for different kinds of info, like your original email address or phone number. The recovery six-digit code will be sent to that contact info of choice. This gives you access to your account even if the hacker already changed the user name and contact data on your account.

At the same time, Instagram brought to Android users and is now rolling it out to iOS users the safeguard that would prevent anyone from claiming a username for a “period of time” after account changes—whether the account change was done because of a hack or a voluntary change. At the end of the day, what Instagram is trying to achieve is letting you recover your account within the app and without having to rely on its security team. Hopefully, this works out well and rolls out quicker than expected.

Source: Engadget + The Verge