Twitter has announced that it will be stopping its Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) SMS scheme for most users by March 20, 2023. From this date, only premium Twitter Blue subscribers will have access to the service. The company has advised its non-Twitter Blue users to disable the security feature within 30 days, or potentially lose access to their accounts.

So why is Twitter making this decision? What might this mean for you?

What Is 2FA and Why Is Twitter Dropping It?

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires users to provide two forms of identification to access their accounts. In many instances, this verification process is in the form of a text message containing a verification code. This is the type of 2FA that Twitter is targeting with this move.

The move was announced by Twitter in a blog post on February 15, 2023. Twitter blames widespread abuse of the system by bad actors as one of the primary motivations for its actions. The same post also advised its non-Twitter Blue subscribers to switch to using a security key or authentication app to keep their accounts secure.

Users who try to activate 2FA by text message will see a message asking for them to choose another verification method.

If you want to continue using SMS-based 2FA, signing up for Twitter Blue is the only option. Upgrading to Twitter Blue is a straightforward process. However, there are other viable alternatives that we'll return to.

What Does This Mean for Twitter Users?

Keeping your devices and data safe is of the utmost importance. Due to Twitter's actions, users without alternative security measures will certainly be more vulnerable. Dropping 2FA can leave your accounts and personal information more open to unauthorized access and cyberattacks.

Among the increased threats that you would be exposed to are:

• Phishing attacks.
• Identity theft.
• Password cracking.

What this means is that if you want to continue using Twitter and stay safe too, then you will need to look at alternative ways to secure your Twitter account.

What Are the Alternatives to 2FA for Twitter?

Twitter is encouraging its users to put alternative measures in place as a matter of urgency. You can use the current system up to March 20, 2023. After this date, the service will no longer be available.

There are alternative ways to secure your Twitter account. One of the simplest methods is to use an authenticator app. There are plenty of authentication apps to choose from and these will offer greater levels of security than existing methods. Among the most popular apps that are compatible with Twitter are:

• Google Authenticator.
• Microsoft Authenticator.
• Authy.
• Duo Mobile.
• 1Password.

Apps like these are considered more secure than traditional SMS-based 2FA. This is because potential hackers need access to the physical device to do any damage.

Another method that Twitter recommends is to secure your account using a security key. There are pros and cons to this method. On the plus side, security keys are incredibly secure. However, a security key is a physical piece of hardware and carrying this about can be inconvenient. It is also easily forgotten.

How to Add an Authentication App to Twitter

Once you have chosen your authenticator app and have set it up on your phone, you will need to add it to your Twitter account. Here's how to do that:

1. Log into your Twitter account and navigate to Settings and Support. (Note: This needs to be done from Twitter's desktop site.)

2. Select Security and account access > Security.

3. Click on the option Two-factor authentication then tick Authentication app. You will be prompted to enter your password.

4. You can now follow the instructions and use your chosen authenticator app to scan the provided QR code.

5. Once the app has been linked to your Twitter, select Next and enter the code that your app has provided. Press Confirm to finish the process.

6. Finally, you will receive a back-up code from Twitter. You must keep this code safe as it is needed if you lose access to your authenticator or smartphone.

The process is simple and free; and from start to finish, it will take less than an hour. For the added layer of security it offers, it's time well spent.

Keeping Your Tweets Secure

While Twitter's move has upset many of its users, a few simple steps will keep your Twitter account secure after March 2023. Two-factor authentication or other security measures are essential for keeping safe online. Spending a little time making sure your Twitter account is safe is certainly worth it.