Setting Up Instagram Account Security and Verification
As a popular social media platform with over 1 billion active users, Instagram is a prime target for cybercriminals and scammers. To protect your account from unauthorized access, hacking, and impersonation, it’s essential to set up Instagram account security and verification. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to secure your Instagram account and provide additional tips to keep your account safe and secure.
Security Settings
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your account. You can use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to receive a verification code. To set up 2FA:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
- Tap “Get Started” and follow the prompts to set up 2FA.
- Make sure to save your 2FA recovery codes in a safe place, such as a password manager or a secure note-taking app.
- Password: Use a strong and unique password for your Instagram account. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. To change your password:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Password.
- Tap “Change Password” and enter a new password.
- Use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for all your accounts.
- Login Approvals: Require login approvals for devices you’ve never used before. This feature will send a notification to your registered email address or phone number whenever a new device tries to access your account. To set up login approvals:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Security > Login Approvals.
- Tap “Require Approval” and select the devices you want to require approval for.
- Account Recovery: Set up account recovery to ensure you can regain access to your account if you’re locked out. To set up account recovery:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Security > Account Recovery.
- Tap “Add Recovery Email” and enter a valid email address.
- Make sure to add a recovery phone number and a trusted friend or family member as an account recovery contact.
- Biometric Authentication: Enable biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID, to add an extra layer of security to your account. To set up biometric authentication:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Security > Biometric Authentication.
- Tap “Enable” and follow the prompts to set up biometric authentication.
Verification
- Verify Your Account: Verify your account to confirm your identity and increase your account’s credibility. To verify your account:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Account > Request Verification.
- Fill out the verification form with your name, birthdate, and government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
- Make sure to provide a clear and recent photo of your ID.
- Profile Information: Ensure your profile information is accurate and up-to-date. To update your profile information:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Edit Profile.
- Update your name, bio, and contact information.
- Make sure to include a profile picture and a cover photo that accurately represents you or your brand.
- Content Moderation: Set up content moderation to ensure your account remains safe and secure. To set up content moderation:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Account > Content Moderation.
- Tap “Enable” and select the types of content you want to moderate (e.g., explicit content, hate speech).
- Make sure to regularly review your account’s content to ensure it remains safe and secure.
Additional Tips
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity and report any unusual behavior. To report a problem:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Account > Report a Problem.
- Tap “Report a Problem” and select the type of problem you’re experiencing (e.g., hacking, impersonation).
- Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data. To set up a VPN:
- Go to your device’s settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
- Tap “Add VPN” and select a VPN provider (e.g., ExpressVPN, NordVPN).
- Keep Your Device Up-to-Date: Ensure your device’s operating system and browser are updated with the latest security patches. To update your device:
- Go to your device’s settings > System > System Update.
- Tap “Check for Update” and follow the prompts to install the latest update.
- Be Cautious with Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. To stay safe:
- Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Make sure to verify the authenticity of the link or attachment before opening it.
- Use a Secure Browser: Use a secure browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, which has built-in security features. To set up a secure browser:
- Go to your device’s settings > Apps > Browser.
- Tap “Google Chrome” or “Mozilla Firefox” and select “Open” to launch the browser.
- Use a Password Manager: Use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for all your accounts. To set up a password manager:
- Go to your device’s settings > Apps > Password Manager.
- Tap “LastPass” or “1Password” and select “Open” to launch the password manager.
- Regularly Review Your Account: Regularly review your account’s settings and content to ensure it remains safe and secure. To review your account:
- Go to your Instagram profile > Settings > Account > Review Account.
- Tap “Review Account” and review your account’s settings and content.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure your Instagram account remains safe and secure, protecting your personal and professional online presence. Remember to regularly monitor your account, use a VPN, keep your device up-to-date, and be cautious with links and attachments. Additionally, use a password manager, secure browser, and regularly review your account to ensure it remains safe and secure.