Securing Your Twitter Account Beyond Text Message Verification
Twitter has recently made a move that has left many users concerned about the security of their accounts. The social media giant has discontinued its free two-factor authentication via text message, which was previously a crucial tool for users to keep their accounts protected from malicious actors. However, there’s a silver lining to this change. An alternative is available, and it’s better, providing superior security, and is completely free of cost.
The Importance of Two-Factor Authentication:
Two-factor authentication is a method that helps users prove their identity by generating a temporary code on their phone. This additional one-time password makes it considerably harder for hackers to gain control over someone’s account, offering an extra layer of protection.
End of the Free Text Message-based 2FA:
Last month, Twitter announced that users would no longer be able to use text message-based two-factor authentication for free. The only exception being those users who opt for the company’s premium subscription service, which still offers the text message-based 2FA.
A Superior Alternative:
The Authenticator App: While the discontinuation of the free text message-based 2FA may seem like a blow, there’s a better alternative that’s available for free. Authenticator apps offered by tech and security companies, including Google and Twilio’s Authy, offer a superior form of two-factor authentication that’s considered safer. Once synced with a user’s Twitter account, these apps continuously generate temporary 2FA codes, making it difficult for hackers to gain access to the user’s account.
The Advantages of Authenticator Apps: Cybersecurity experts consider authenticator apps to be a superior form of two-factor authentication as they are not susceptible to being intercepted by hackers. The only way a hacker could access a user’s authenticator app codes is by gaining physical access to the user’s phone.
Setting up an authenticator app is a straightforward process, and here are the basic steps to follow:
- Download an authenticator app of your choice and follow the setup instructions.
- Go to Twitter’s security settings and sync your account with the authenticator app.
- Use the authenticator app to generate a new code every time you change your Twitter password or log in from a new device.
The Discontinuation of Free SMS 2FA:
Twitter’s decision to end free text message-based 2FA was a first for a major tech company. Only a small percentage of Twitter users employed two-factor authentication, and nearly three-quarters of those users relied on the text message version. The company has not provided a transparency report, and it appears that the practice was discontinued under Elon Musk’s ownership.
Conclusion:
The discontinuation of free text message-based 2FA may discourage users from adopting two-factor authentication, ultimately making the site less secure. A cybersecurity speaker and author, Alyssa Miller, stated that this change “makes the platform ultimately less secure for Twitter’s user base.” By switching to an authenticator app, users can ensure that their Twitter accounts are protected to the best of their ability.
