Twitter will soon remove the SMS two-factor authentication option for users who do not pay for a Twitter Blue subscription.
But never fear, there are other ways to secure your account.
Change authentication method
You have two options, both of which are more secure than SMS two-factor authentication:
- use an authenticator app;
- use a security key.
To activate one of these two options, go to Settings & Support > Settings & Privacy > Security & Account Access > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
These instructions are the same whether you’re using a web browser or the app for iOS, Android, Windows, or Mac.
How do I set up an authenticator app?
Here’s how to secure your Twitter account using an authenticator app.
1. Install an authenticator app
First, choose and install the authenticator app of your choice. Here is a selection of the most used:
Google Authenticator is Google’s two-factor authentication security tool, also known as 2-factor authentication, or 2FA that offers an additional identification step to log in to certain online accounts.
- Downloads: 19
- Release date : 07/14/2022
- Author : Google Inc.
- Licence : Free License
- Categories:
Utilities – Security - Operating system : Android – iOS iPhone / iPad
Microsoft Authenticator is the two-factor authentication application developed by Microsoft. It allows you to carry out a second step of verifying your identity when you connect to certain online accounts.
- Downloads: 7
- Release date : 02/09/2023
- Author : Microsoft Corporation
- Licence : Free license
- Categories:
Security - Operating system : Android – iOS iPhone / iPad
Twilio Authy is an application for Android or iOS mobile devices that allows you to set up two-factor authentication to secure your internet accounts.
- Downloads: 7
- Release date : 02/07/2023
- Author : authy
- Licence : Free license
- Categories:
Security - Operating system : Android – Linux – Windows 32 bits – XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 – Windows 64 bits – XP/Vista/7/8/10/11 – iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch – macOS
Bitwarden is a free and open source password manager allowing you to securely store all your usernames and passwords for your online accounts.
- Downloads: 8
- Release date : 02/16/2023
- Author : 8bit Solutions LLC
- Licence : Free software
- Categories:
Utilities – Security - Operating system : Android – Google Chrome extension – Microsoft Edge extension – Mozilla Firefox extension – Linux – Online service All Internet browsers – Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 – iOS iPhone / iPad / Apple Watch – macOS
All the apps listed above are free. But beware, the subscription-free version of Bitwarden does not include the two-factor authentication service.
2. Link your Twitter account to your app
At the start of the procedure, you will be required to scan a QR code.
Scan the QR code to add your Twitter account to your authenticator app.
If you can’t scan the code, you can enter a text code in your authenticator app.
3. Confirm everything is working
To ensure that you have linked your Twitter account to your authenticator app, Twitter will ask you to enter the confirmation code sent by the app.
Enter the confirmation code to make sure everything is working properly. If the confirmation code is valid, you’re done! Otherwise, try to generate another code or start over.
Now, when you log into Twitter, you will sometimes be prompted for a code by your authenticator app.
How to configure a security key?
Here’s how to secure your Twitter account using a passkey.
1. Get a security key
A hardware security key is a fantastic tool that can stop hackers in their tracks, as it provides an extra layer of defense.
Even if a hacker has your username and password, this type of key will keep your account safe.
2. Link your security key to your Twitter account
Start the process and you will be asked to add your security key to your account.
Click on Add key.
Then choose your key.
Instructions will now appear to guide you through the process.
When the key has been detected, you will be asked if you want to add it.
3. Name your security key
Finally, you can name your key. If you have more than one, give it a meaningful name so you know which one to use.
It’s good, you’re done.
What are backup codes used for?
When you install two-factor authentication on your Twitter account, you have the option of setting up a backup code. This is a one-time code that you can use if you don’t have access to your authenticator app or security key.
If you want to set up this system – and I recommend it – click on Get the backup code.
Keep this code safe – for example in your password manager, or printed out and kept in your wallet – in case you need it. You can generate other backup codes if needed.
Source: ZDNet.com