Twitters Two Factor Authentication How to and Why You Should

Twitters Two Factor Authentication How To and Why You Should

  • By Ginger Hill
  • May 28, 2013

I’m sure by now you’ve heard all about Twitter introducing two-factor authentication, making it more difficult for hackers to hijack user accounts. Kudos to Twitter for that, since Syrian hackers recently hijacked The Associated Press and The Financial Times’ Twitter accounts; oh and don’t forget the break-ins of Jeep and Burger King’s accounts, too.

What exactly does this authentication do?

Two-factor authentication sends users a one-time, log-in code via a text message, so hackers are left trying to figure out not only the main password chosen, but the text message code as well, in order to successfully hack a Twitter account.

According to Mark Bower, data security expert and VP at Voltage Security, “Twitter’s move is a good one [even though] the combination of strong authentication and data-centric security is where the industry has to head to fend off the new wave of sophisticated attacks.”

“Twitter is part of the social fabric and is a hot target for malware propagation to millions of unwitting recipients. Compromised Twitter accounts are ideal to deliver malware-laced links, drop trojans and initiate data theft – potentially stealing from behind corporate firewalls and even from smartphones,” Bower continued.

So, have you set yours up yet? No!? Well, here’s how:

1. Log into your Twitter account.

Twitters Two Factor Authentication How to and Why You Should


2. Go to settings.

Twitters Two Factor Authentication How to and Why You Should 


3. Select “Require a verification code when I sign in.”

 


4. Confirm your email and phone number.

And, that’s it! Now, when you sign into Twitter on an unknown device or new app, you will receive a SMS with a six-digit code. Simply enter that code into your new device or app and let the tweeting begin…safely! 

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.