Twitter, the popular social media platform, has announced that it will start charging for its two-factor authentication (2FA) service starting March 20, 2023. The move has caused concern among users who rely on the added security provided by 2FA to protect their accounts from hackers and cybercriminals.

However, there are ways to use 2FA on Twitter without paying the fee. 

What is Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires users to provide two forms of identification when logging into their accounts. The first form of identification is usually a password, while the second form may be a verification code sent to the user’s phone or email address.

The purpose of 2FA is to make it more difficult for hackers and cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to a user’s account. Even if a hacker manages to steal a user’s password, they will still need the second form of identification to log in.

How to Set up Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter

Twitter offers several options for setting up 2FA on your account. The most common method is to use your phone number as the second form of identification. Here’s how to do it:

• Log in to your Twitter account and click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
• Select “Settings and Privacy” from the dropdown menu.
• Click on the “Security and Account Access” option.
• Scroll down to the “Two-factor authentication” section and click “Set up”.
• Follow the prompts to enter your phone number and verify it with a verification code.
• Once your phone number is verified, you can choose whether to receive verification codes via text message or through an authenticator app.
• Other 2FA options on Twitter include using a security key, such as a YubiKey, or using a third-party authentication app like Google Authenticator.

How to Use Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter Without Paying

Starting March 20, Twitter will charge users $2.99 per month to use its 2FA service. However, there are ways to use 2FA on Twitter without paying the fee. One option is to use a third-party authentication app like Google Authenticator, which is free to use.

• To use Google Authenticator with Twitter, follow these steps:
• Download the Google Authenticator app on your smartphone.
• Log in to your Twitter account and go to the “Two-factor authentication” section.
• Click on the “Authentication app” option and select “Set up”.
• Follow the prompts to scan the QR code displayed on the screen using the Google Authenticator app.

Once the QR code is scanned, the app will generate a six-digit verification code that you can use to log in to your Twitter account.

Benefits of Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter

Using 2FA on Twitter can provide several benefits for users. It adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it more difficult for hackers and cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access. This is especially important if you have a large following or if you use Twitter for business purposes.

In addition, 2FA can help protect your personal information from being stolen or compromised. It can also provide peace of mind knowing that your account is less likely to be hacked or compromised.

Potential Risks of Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter

While 2FA can provide added security for your Twitter account, it is not foolproof. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to bypass security measures, and 2FA is not immune to these threats. For example, if a hacker gains access to your phone or email account, they may be able to intercept the verification code sent by Twitter and use it to log in to your account.

Another potential risk of using 2FA is the inconvenience it may cause for some users. If you frequently switch devices or lose your phone, it can be difficult to log in to your account without access to your second form of identification. In addition, if you forget your password, it can be challenging to reset it without also having access to your 2FA method.

Conclusion

Twitter’s decision to charge for 2FA has sparked concern among some users, but there are still ways to use this security feature without paying the fee. By setting up 2FA on your account, you can add an extra layer of protection against hackers and cybercriminals. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with 2FA and to take steps to mitigate them.

Overall, using 2FA on Twitter is a simple and effective way to improve the security of your account. Whether you choose to use a phone number, a security key, or a third-party authentication app, taking this extra step can provide peace of mind knowing that your personal information is protected.

Source: www.economictimes.indiatimes.com