Instagram rolling out new security steps - East Idaho News
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Instagram rolling out new security steps

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The popular photo-sharing app Instagram is about to become more secure, according to news from the company’s developers.

With over 400 million users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media sharing programs out there. Like other large sharing platforms, Instagram has been fighting hackers and spammers since its birth.

That’s about the change, according to technology blogger Josh Constine.

“Today, Instagram confirmed to me that it’s beginning to roll out two-factor authentication,” Constine said.

This two-step authentication process will allow users to connect a phone number to their account for verification. If a potential hacker tries to break into an account with a linked phone number, the user will be sent a text message with an alert and authentication code.

“That means hackers need more than your email and password that could be guessed, stolen, or tricked out of you with a phishing scam,” Constine said.

Instagram will roll-out the new security measures in the next few months, a move, Constine said, that’s long overdue.

“Instagram’s parent company Facebook has had a two-factor option for over four years,” Constine said. “Neglecting to add it has put Instagram users at risk, and led to damaging hacks that caused financial losses and massive stress.”

In the past, celebrities with beefy follower counts on Instagram have experienced hacks resulting in loss of sponsors, fans and reputation. The new security measures aim to keep small and large accounts out of the hands of would-be hackers and spammers and will be available as an opt-in feature.

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