Recently, Twitter announced that two-step verification via SMS would become a paid feature within the Twitter Blue subscription starting March 20, 2023. We tell you how to keep your account safe without pulling your wallet.
Elon Musk sees gold in Twitter by paying users for certain security measures. Fortunately, only the 2FA verification method is placed behind a paywall, leaving plenty of safe options for non-paying Twitter users.
How do you avoid the Twitter bullshit?
SMS is not the most secure option of all forms of two-step verification. Malicious parties can intercept the texts. But the measure is better than using no measure at all.
If you don’t feel like paying $8 a month for Twitter Blue – which we understand – then you should switch to another form of two-step verification. The easiest (and safe) way is to use an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.
These types of apps generate login codes that are refreshed every few seconds. You use the code after logging in with your username and password as an extra layer of Security. It may sound like a hassle, but protecting your online privacy is becoming increasingly important.
Extra Security with a physical key
Another option is to use a physical security key. For example, think of a Yubikey. With this kind of USB stick, you can log in to your PC, but some versions have NFC, so you can also use them with your smartphone.
Using two of these keys is advisable to have one as a backup. That quickly becomes a pricey affair since the physical key costs five tenners. For most people, the authenticator app is the best option.
How do you set up 2FA on Twitter?
Open Twitter and click More. Go to Settings and Support and click on Settings and Privacy. Navigate to Security & account access and open Security. Click Two-Step Verification and uncheck SMS. Choose Authentication App or Security Key instead.
Follow the steps. These differ depending on the authenticator app or a physical security key you use. Also, remember to save backup codes so you can still access your Twitter account if your two-step verification method fails.
