Instagram begins testing new procedures to help users regain access to hacked accounts

Instagram says today that it’s testing new features that might make it easier for people to regain access to accounts that hackers have overtaken, Motherboard reports. The news follows reports from users about losing access to their valuable accounts, as well as a separate Motherboard story about how some of these victims turned to white-hat (or well-meaning) hackers for help. Attackers often trick Instagram users into clicking a phishing link that requires them to enter their login credentials, which gives them access to the account. Once they’re in control, the hacker will change the account’s associated email address and phone number, which can make regaining access a nightmare.

Today, Instagram’s rolling out a test that will ask users to enter the email address or phone number linked to their account, or the ones they used when they initially signed up for the platform. Instagram will then send a six-digit code that’ll allow them to regain access. If a hacker has…