Two-factor authentication comes to Instagram

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

Instagram is getting serious about security, as the company has confirmed that it has started rolling out two-factor authentication. The photo-sharing service confirmed the feature to TechCrunch, stating that it is beginning the rollout after the feature had been spotted in testing.

According to the report, the feature works in a similar fashion to two-factor authentication on other services, such as Twitter and Facebook. If someone tries to log into your account, an authentication code will be texted to a verified phone number, and that code must then be entered to log in.

For such a personal service, it's good to see Instagram is finally working on adding an extra layer of security to the mix. Keep in mind that, since Instagram has only just confirmed the rollout, the feature may take a while to show up for everyone.

This comes just a week after multiple account support was rolled out to all Instagram users after a period of testing.

Source: TechCrunch

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster
7 Comments
  • Too bad we can't use an app like Google Authenticator but beggars can't be choosers...
  • Authy is the best App Authenticator in my book. better that Google Authenticator.
    I really love it.
  • Google's Authenticator app is horrible, makes me want to tear my hair out. Sent from the iMore App
  • Please. Do tell what is wrong with it.
  • No cloud backup, poor multiple device support, no support for entering data on computers other than typing them manually, no protected backups. Need I go on?
  • Well, the principle behind Google Authenticator is good, and I have to agree it does look interesting... but, I will not use it, for the simple reason that it's Google!!
    We all know how well Google looks after our privacy and such, that's enough reason for me to stay away from Google as much as I can.
    Already left Google Chrome as my browser last year when I switched to iMac, too bad I need YouTube for business-reasons, otherwise I would have left that too.
  • You can use the excellent Authy, or if you want support for computers and already use it, nothing beats 1Password. Author is well and good, but you need to open the app to see the codes. If you have 1Passowrd on your iOS device,, all you need to do is set up the code via the iOS and from then codes will be synced on all devices, including Macs and PCs. No need to open the app on your phone.