FollowConsistently many Twitter accounts have been hacked through high-profile hackings. To prevent accounts from getting hacked Twitter has introduced a new two-step authentication. The new feature is named as “login verification” by Twitter. When users will try to login into their account, they will taken through this two-step verification process.
From now, when you will try to access your account by signing in, you will be sent a six-digit code. This will happen every time you attempt to enter your account. This will help Twitter verify and find out who the user is. You will have to enter the code on the login page and then you will be able to view the contents of your account.
The two-step authentication is not a default feature but an optional one which means it is up to you whether you want to make use of this security feature or not. Twitter is one of the most successful micro blogging websites. Every day millions of people access their account and umpteen numbers of people create new account on Twitter. However, there has been consistent news from the people whose account has been hacked. Hackers send fake Twitter login page to the users through email or try to gain passwords through other unsolicited means.
In order to activate the two-step verification feature all you need to do is go to the settings page of your account and then choose “Require a verification code when I sign in”. You will be prompted to “add a phone”. You will have to enter your cell phone number. Once you enter it, a verification code will be sent to the mobile number you already entered. You will have to enter this verification code in order to verify your account.
By doing this, whenever you will attempt to login into your account on Twitter.com, the website will send a six-digit code to your mobile number and then by entering the code you will be able to access your Twitter account. If you happen to share account with several users (business accounts), you will have to send the code to shared phone number or you need to choose a person as to who will receive the verification code text message.
High profile hackings of accounts belonging to the Orion, The Telegraph, and BBC Weather has made Twitter to set up two-step verification process. You will be surprised to know that in the month of February, passwords of more than 245,000 Twitter account holders were stolen.
Even though you will be using the two-step verification system, you should not entirely depend on it for protecting your account from getting hacked. You need to make use of strong passwords and then your account will be completely secure. Facebook and Google have already started with the two-step verification process long back. Now Twitter has joined the bandwagon.
Once you install a two-step login protection, hackers will not be able to hack your account. Since everyone owns a personal mobile phone now and this makes it quite easy for everyone to make use of this feature. However, there is one pitfall. If you happen to lose your smartphone, the person who finds your phone will be able to access your Twitter account.
