Unauthorized access to profiles on social networks is next to email and bank accounts one of the main objectives of many attackers. Therefore, having the appropriate security measures in each of them is important. If you are an intensive user of Instagram , we show you how to activate verification in two steps . So there are no scares.
Two-step verification
Theft of passwords is more common than it may seem, but don’t think that very complex techniques are needed. There are occasions when a simple oversight or techniques such as phishing cause us to inadvertently give our password to an attacker.
To avoid such situations, which can be a serious problem, it is important to take basic security measures that really do not cost much and we should all be clear about it. One of them, basic and essential, is to activate the verification in two steps in each and every one of the services that offer it.
This system adds an additional layer of security through a second code without which it will not be possible to log in even knowing the password. And best of all, that code is only valid for a certain period of time, so the security that is achieved is even greater.
The codes for the two-step verification can be obtained in different ways:
- Text messages to your mobile phone
- Through an authentication application like Google Athenticator
- Using USB or NFC keys such as Google or other manufacturers that support the 2FA system
Here it will depend a little on each application or service to add support for one, two or all three options. But initially the first two are already common in most current services. One of them is Instagram. So, if by any chance you still did not have two-step verification active, don’t wait any longer and do it now.
How to activate two-step verification on Instagram
Turning on two-step verification or authentication on Instagram is a quick and easy process. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app on your Android or iOS phone
- Go to the configuration settings Instagram
- Select the Security option
- Now choose Two-Step Authentication
- There you will see two options: text message and Authentication application
- Choose the option that interests you the most (you can choose both if you want) and follow the steps that they indicate.
With the first option what you do is enable the sending of text messages where a code will be included for each time you go to log in. It is the most common two-step authentication method, although it is true that due to the risk of duplicate SIM cards, it is the least secure. Fortunately, SIM swapping is not the norm and mobile operators take security measures when making a duplicate.
The second option makes use of some of the supported double verification applications. For example, Google Authenticator, so you only have to add a token that said app will provide you so that every time you want to start your Instagram account on a new device, you use that application to copy the temporary access code it generates.
As you can see, in a matter of seconds you will have added an extra security to your account. This way you avoid possible scares and problems in the event of a security breach or mislead yours by exposing your passwords.