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Are you an active Twitter user?
If so, you need to be aware of a new security policy that may put your account at risk.
The popular social media platform has decided to restrict access to two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent by text message.
Soon, the security feature will only be available to users who subscribe to their premium service, Twitter Blue.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why this is an unwise move. And I’ll provide a free solution for protecting your account from hackers.
Read on to learn more!
What Is Twitter’s New Security Policy?
Recently, Twitter announced a new security policy that has caused concern for many users.
They will now require people to subscribe to their premium service, Twitter Blue, in order to access two-factor authentication (2FA) codes sent by text message.
This new policy means non-paying users can no longer use text message-based authentication.
This could put your account at risk.
What is SMS 2FA?
SMS 2FA is a method of two-factor authentication (2FA) that uses text messages (SMS) to provide an additional layer of security to your accounts.
It involves sending a code to your phone via text message when attempting to log in, which you must then enter into the website or app.
This code is a one-time use and changes each time you log in, making it impossible for anyone to access your account without having both the password and the code.
This extra layer of security helps protect your account from hackers, phishers, and other malicious actors.
Why Did Twitter Replace SMS 2FA?
Twitter claims it is “committed to keeping people safe and secure on Twitter.”
However, this move away from SMS 2FA appears to be a cost-cutting measure.
By restricting 2FA codes sent by text message and only making them available to users who subscribe to their premium service, Twitter Blue, the company is saving money on sending text messages.
This could put users’ accounts at risk, as 2FA is a critical security measure for protecting against hackers and other malicious actors.
It’s unclear why Twitter decided to take this approach. But, it likely has to do with its financial difficulties in recent months.
Unfortunately, this decision puts many users in a difficult position of choosing between paying for extra protection or risking their account security without it.
Twitter should reconsider its policy and make 2FA available to all users, regardless of their subscription level.
The Free Solution: App-Based 2FA on Twitter
App-Based 2FA is a free and secure solution for protecting your Twitter account from malicious actors.
It is easy to set up and does not require any additional subscription fees or payments.
To use App-Based 2FA, you will need an authenticator app installed on your device, such as Duo, Authy, or Google Authenticator.
Once the app is downloaded and installed, you can link it to your Twitter account by following the instructions given in the app.
After this step is completed, each time you log into your Twitter account, the authenticator app will generate a unique code you must enter to authenticate yourself and access your account.
Now, even if someone else were to get your username and password, they wouldn’t be able to log in without the code generated by your authenticator app.
App-Based 2FA is an easy and effective way for Twitter users to keep their accounts safe and secure without paying extra for protection.
How to Set Up App-Based Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter
Download and install an authenticator app such as Duo, Authy, or Google Authenticator onto your device to set up App-Based Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter.
Once the app is downloaded and installed, log in to your Twitter account and go to “Settings and Privacy,” then select “Security and Account Access,” followed by “Security.”
On the Two-Factor Authentication Settings page, select “Authentication App” and follow the instructions.
You may be required to enter your account password before proceeding.
After completing this step, each time you log into your Twitter account, you will need to enter a unique code generated from the authenticator app to gain access.
This means that even if someone else were to obtain your username and password, they would be unable to log in without the code generated by your authenticator app.
App-Based Two-Factor Authentication is a free and secure solution for protecting your Twitter account from malicious actors.
Take advantage of this feature today to keep your account safe!
Store Your Backup Codes for Safekeeping
It is essential to store your backup codes in a secure place to protect yourself from being locked out of your Twitter account if you lose your phone or device.
A password manager is an ideal storage solution for these sensitive codes as it ensures they will remain safe and inaccessible to anyone else.
You can get your Backup Codes in the same place where you set up your app-based two-factor authentication.
Copy this code and save it securely within your password manager for safekeeping.
That way, if you ever find yourself locked out of your account due to a lost or stolen phone, you can use the Backup Code to regain access.
Conclusion
App-Based Two-Factor Authentication is a free and secure solution for protecting your Twitter account.
It is easy to set up, requires no additional subscription fees or payments, and provides an extra layer of security for your account.
Take advantage of this feature today if you don’t have a Twitter Blue subscription to keep your account safe!
Store your backup codes securely in a password manager so that even if you lose access to your phone or device, you can still regain access to your Twitter account.
Now is the time to protect yourself with app-based two-factor authentication – while it’s still fresh on your mind!
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Are the Apps Duo, Authy, or Google Authenticator free or is there a charge?