How to Increase Instagram Security?

Instagram shines as a visual powerhouse through its images, stories, and reels. With over a billion users globally, it's a cultural phenomenon where users keep and share memories. 

But beneath the glitz of filtered photos lies a dangerous world. Cyber threats, hackers, and phishing scams lurk, ever eager to exploit vulnerabilities. Instagram's popularity also attracts many malicious bots keen on breaching its defenses. 

The question now is: how can you safeguard your account? How can you ensure that your memories, moments, and messages remain solely under your control? Let's discuss comprehensive ways to ramp up your Instagram security.

Ways to Strengthen Instagram Security

To protect your cherished memories and personal information on IG, consider doing these security measures:

1. Embrace Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA, or Two-Factor Authentication, stands as a digital bodyguard. It uses dual verification, ensuring that mere possession of one password isn't enough to breach an account. 

While traditional password-based security relies solely on something you know (your password), 2FA introduces an element of something you have – typically, your mobile device. When 2FA is enabled, even if a hacker manages to steal or guess your password, they would be thwarted in their attempt to log in without the second password.

A unique, time-sensitive code is dispatched to your mobile device each time a login attempt is made. Only upon entering this code, valid for a short duration, is access granted. This dual-pronged approach dramatically heightens account security. It makes unauthorized access easier.

Steps to Enable 2FA:

• Open Instagram settings.
• Click on 'Password and Security'.
• Choose 'Two-Factor Authentication'.
• Tap on your preferred method: text message or authentication app.
• Complete the setup by following the provided instructions.

2. Use a Strong, Unique Password

Your password is the encrypted expression of your identity, granting you access while barring others. 

However, not all passwords are created equal. A simple or commonly used password invites unwanted attention. Those with ill intentions can easily decipher it. A predictable password, such as "123456" or "password," isn't just weak; it's an open invitation to hackers.

It's crucially essential to weave a robust and intricate password. This means combining alphanumeric characters, symbols, and varied capitalizations. Moreover, eschewing obvious choices related to your personal life, like birthdays or anniversaries, further reduces vulnerability. Remember, your first line of defense in the digital realm is always a strong, unique password. Make it a habit of regularly updating and diversifying this crucial key to ensure maximum protection.

Crafting a Secure Password:

• Mix uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Incorporate numbers and symbols.
• Steer clear from using readily available information like birthdays.
• Refrain from using the same password across multiple platforms.
• Tools like LastPass can generate and store complex passwords.

3. Periodically Review Account Activity

In Instagram, interactions are plentiful and rapid. Because of this, it's easy for anomalies to go unnoticed. Each like, comment, or follow carries a digital footprint that you can use to know if your account is being accessed and used.

When you're familiar with the features of your account, you can spot deviations that become second nature. Did you notice a login from a location you've never visited? Are there activities during the hours you usually sleep? These could be signs of unauthorized access.

You can take immediate corrective actions by periodically reviewing your Instagram activity log. This ensures that your account remains uncompromised. 

Steps:

• Access 'Settings'.
• Access "Meta Accounts Center"
• Under 'Password and Security,' tap 'Where you're logged in.'
• Inspect the devices listed. If you notice any unfamiliar device, it's a signal to change your password.

4. Reap Benefits of a Private Account

A public profile offers a greater reach and visibility. It's like an open house where anyone can walk in, comment, and inspect. 

On the other hand, a private account transforms your Instagram presence into an exclusive club. Before someone can be your follower, you need your approval first. This privilege ensures that your content is shared only with a chosen audience, be it family, friends, or trusted acquaintances.

Advantages:

• Enhanced control over followers.
• Reduced exposure to potential scammers.
• Ability to vet every new follower request.

Setting Your Account to Private:

• Go to settings.
• Under 'Privacy,' toggle on 'Private Account.'

5. Vigilance Against Phishing Scams

Phishing is a game of deception. Hackers cast a wide net, hence the term "phishing," to trap unsuspecting users. These tricksters craft convincing emails or messages, urging you to click on embedded links. These links lead to counterfeit sites that mirror legitimate ones, duping users into typing out their login credentials. When you hit 'enter,' they capture your details, gaining unauthorized access to your account.

But how can one stay ahead of these wicked attempts? Take note of the following:

• Never provide your password to anyone, even if they claim to be from Instagram.
• Emails from Instagram will always come from '@instagram.com'. Be cautious of slight variations.
• When in doubt, access settings directly instead of using email links.

6. Be Discreet with Your Location

Whenever you geo-tag a post, you reveal a piece of your life. Over time, these scattered pieces can come together to provide a comprehensive view. For instance, someone could deduce your work location, favorite weekend getaway, or even the gym you frequent. Such detailed insights into personal routines are goldmines for ill-intent IG users.

Safe Practices:

• Only geo-tag places after leaving.
• Regularly review app permissions to ensure Instagram doesn't always access your location.

7. Continuous Learning

Active, continuous education is your guide to potential digital pitfalls. It provides knowledge of the new phishing scams, malware threats, or hacking techniques.

Staying Informed:

• Subscribe to blogs focused on cybersecurity.
• Attend webinars or workshops about online safety.
• Familiarize yourself with recent digital threats.

8. Use a Social Media Security App

Spikerz, our state-of-the-art social media security app, ensures your content, interactions, and data remain uncompromised. With real-time alerts, advanced monitoring algorithms, and seamless integration, our app fortifies your Instagram presence, allowing you to focus on crafting your narrative with no worries.

The result? An Instagram post free from the lurking threats of cybercrime. Best of all, Spikerz works automatically in the background. Once your account is synced with our app, it works automatically. 

9. Always Logout from Shared Devices

When you use Wi-Fi or gadgets in public areas, numerous strangers access the same device. If you forgot to log out, it openly invites anyone to gain control of your account. 

To stop this, make it a habit to log out after each session. Ensure you've logged out of your Instagram account, no matter how brief. To add an extra layer of precaution, clear browser histories, and caches, eliminating digital traces of your access.

Additionally, turn on notifications for unfamiliar login attempts. This way, if someone does try to access your account from a shared device you've used, you'll be alerted promptly. 

Ensuring Log Out:

• Click on your profile.
• Open settings through the three lines on the top right.
• Scroll down to 'Log Out'.

Last Words

Instagram isn't immune to various cyber threats. By adopting the security measures mentioned above, you're ensuring the safety of your memories and messages. You are also taking preventive measures against potential online adversaries. A proactive approach and ongoing education are the keys to a secure Instagram experience.

Want to stay ahead in online security? Subscribe to our weekly blog for updates on cybersecurity tips, tricks, and the latest threats to be aware of. 

FAQs

1. How can I ensure that the emails I receive from Instagram are legitimate and not phishing attempts? Always check the email's domain. Authentic emails from Instagram will always come from '@instagram.com'. Any slight variation or unfamiliar territory should be treated with suspicion. Instead of clicking on links from the email, access settings directly through the app.
2. How does a private account enhance my security on Instagram? With a private account, your content is shared only with approved followers. It restricts public visibility and reduces exposure to potential scams or malicious actors. It offers greater control over your audience, ensuring your content remains accessible only to trusted individuals.
3. How can a social security app like Spikerz help in enhancing my Instagram security? Spikerz can monitor for potential security threats related to your social media accounts. It can alert you of suspicious activities, unauthorized logins, and other potential breaches, giving you an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.
4. Is Instagram verification for sale? No, Instagram verification (the blue tick) is not for sale. Instagram's verification process is designed to authenticate the identity of key figures, celebrities, and brands. Any offer claiming to sell verification is likely a scam.