How to Secure Your Twitter Account for Free
Repeatedly emphasized by experts, enabling two-factor authentication is a crucial step in safeguarding your online accounts, particularly those pertaining to finances, communication, and social media. By doing so, you can protect your accounts against potential breaches.
Recently, Twitter announced that it will no longer offer its users the most common form of two-factor authentication, which involves a numeric code sent via text message, free of cost. Instead, users must either subscribe to Twitter Blue for $8 a month or switch to a distinct kind of two-factor authentication before March 20.
Therefore, if you have a Twitter account, it is advisable to take the necessary measures to secure it before the given deadline without incurring any additional costs. Below, you will discover all the information you need to do so.
What is Twitter changing, and why?
Twitter is changing the way it offers two-factor authentication to its users. Specifically, the company will no longer provide the most common form of two-factor authentication, which involves a numeric code sent via text message, free of charge. Instead, users must either subscribe to Twitter Blue for $8 a month or switch to a different type of two-factor authentication by March 20.
The reason for this change is not entirely clear, but it may be because Twitter wants to encourage users to subscribe to its new premium service, Twitter Blue, which provides additional features such as the ability to undo tweets and bookmark folders.
Alternatively, Twitter may be trying to reduce the number of users who rely on text message-based two-factor authentication, as this method has some security weaknesses. By encouraging users to switch to a more secure form of two-factor authentication, Twitter could improve the overall security of its platform.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security method that mandates users to give two different conditions of identification in order to access an account or service. The first factor is typically a password or PIN, while the second factor can take a variety of forms, such as a code sent via text message, a fingerprint scan, or a hardware key.
By requiring two factors, 2FA counts as an additional layer of protection to online accounts, making them more challenging for hackers to get. Even if a hacker is able to obtain a user’s password, they would always require the second element in order to achieve access to the account. This creates it much more difficult for attackers to compromise accounts, even if they have managed to steal passwords through methods like phishing attacks or data breaches.
Many online services now offer 2FA as an option for users, and it is strongly recommended that people enable it for any accounts that contain sensitive or valuable information, such as email, banking, or social media accounts.
Does this change make me more or less secure?
Text message authentication is the most popular and convenient option for two-factor authentication, as it utilizes existing text message apps. Although it is safer than relying solely on a password, it is not as protected as utilizing an authentication app or safety key. This is because text message authentication is susceptible to available hacks such as SIM swapping or social engineering goes to acquire codes.
While switching to an authentication app would be a wise choice for Twitter users, there is a concern that not all users will make the switch, and this could potentially lead to more security issues. Experts worry that some users may choose not to switch to a more secure form of authentication, leaving their accounts vulnerable to attacks.
It is critical for Twitter users to comprehend the hazards associated with text message authentication and to take measures to ensure the security of their accounts. This may involve switching to a different form of two-factor authentication or taking additional precautions to safeguard their personal information. Ultimately, every user should prioritize the security of their online accounts to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Do I need to sign up for Twitter Blue?
No, you do not need to sign up for Twitter Blue in order to continue using Twitter. Twitter Blue is a compensation subscription service that offers added elements like the capacity to undo tweets, bookmark folders, and customizable app icons. However, if you want to continue using text message-based two-factor authentication on Twitter, you will need to either subscribe to Twitter Blue or switch to a different form of two-factor authentication by March 20.
There are several other options for two-factor authentication that you can use, such as authentication apps like Google Authenticator or hardware security keys. These options are often considered more secure than text message-based authentication, as they are less susceptible to hacks like SIM swapping or phishing attempts. It is strongly recommended that you enable two-factor authentication on all of your online accounts, including Twitter, to enhance the security of your personal information.
What should I do to stay safe?
To switch from a text message-based two-factor authentication to an authentication app on Twitter, follow these steps –
1. Download a reputable authentication app such as Google Authenticator or Twilio’s Authy. These apps are available for free on both iOS and Android, but you can also choose from other options like Raivo, 1Password, and Microsoft’s Authenticator app.
2. Open Twitter on a browser on your computer. If you set up two-factor authentication on your phone, it might default you to the built-in authenticator app like AutoFill. Using a browser on your computer is easier for setting up non-default options.
3. Navigate to the Security and account access section of your Twitter settings by clicking on Settings and support, then Settings and privacy, then Security and account access, and finally Security.
4. Click on the Two-factor authentication option and select the option to use an authentication app.
5. Follow the on-screen directions to set up the authentication app. This will typically involve scanning a QR code with your phone’s camera or manually entering a code provided by the app.
Once you have completed these steps, your Twitter account will be protected by an authentication app rather than text message-based two-factor authentication. This will help to enhance the security of your account and protect against potential hacks or data breaches.
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