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5 min read
Quick Reality Check
Meta is removing the end-to-end encryption option for Instagram DMs. After offering an optional layer of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for several years. Meta has confirmed this specific feature will be removed from Instagram on May 8, 2026
What happened:
Instagram is shutting down its encrypted chat option. This was the security layer that ensured only you and the recipient could read your messages, keeping them hidden from everyone, including Meta.
According to the company, they are removing the feature because “very few people” were actually opting into it. Unlike WhatsApp, where encryption is on by default, Instagram kept it as an optional setting, and they have decided to remove it entirely.
Why it matters:
When you're messaging friends, family, or sharing personal information on your DMS, those conversations may not have the same level of privacy as encrypted chats. Also, without this end-to-end encryption, it only takes one company policy change or data breach or legal request for your information to be potentially accessed once it's no longer end-to-end encrypted.
Read more here
60-Second Protection Fix
Here is what you can do:
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Identify sensitive chats. Go through your messages and identify any that contain sensitive information, such as personal data, tax records, passport information, or any other conversations you would rather keep private.
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Download your data. If you want to save those specific conversations, go to your Instagram settings and request a download of your information
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If you have chats that are impacted by this change, you will see instructions on how you can download any media or messages you may want to keep.
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If you're on an older version of Instagram, you may also need to update the app before you can download your affected chats.
- Delete the conversations. Once you have successfully saved the data you need, delete the conversations from the app so they are no longer stored on the platform.
What You Missed This Week
Is your "cyber hygiene" putting you at risk without you even knowing? I sat down with Keelin Conant, Senior Solutions Advisor at Alvaka and host of the CyberSoul podcast, to expose the surprising ways our daily habits actually leave us vulnerable. Listen or watch it here
Security’s AI paradox: High adoption, rising workloads
AI is now foundational to security operations. But it hasn’t reduced workload or burnout. In fact, 81% say workloads increased in the past year and 44% of security work is still manual.
What’s the disconnect? Tines recently surveyed 1,800+ security practitioners and leaders worldwide for their largest Voice of Security report yet. The data shows that while AI adoption and enthusiasm are high, teams have yet to unlock its full impact.
Read the full report to learn exactly what’s holding teams back and how you can get more value from your AI investments.
*Sponsored by Tines
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I LOVED this carousel where we share 5 simple habits that could save you from getting hacked! Most scams don’t happen because you’re careless. They happen because small digital habits leave doors wide open. Click the image to check it out.
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Stay protected,
Cybersecurity Girl
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