Here’s how you can secure your Twitter account without paying

On Saturday, a pop-up message warned users that they would lose the ability to secure their Twitter account via text message two-factor authentication unless they paid $8 per month to subscribe to Twitter Blue. do not pay.

Starting March 19, users who don’t subscribe will be locked out of their accounts until the security feature is removed.

What is Twitter’s two-factor authentication?

This is a second layer of security to protect accounts through which users enter auto-generated codes to log in.

This extra step helps keep online accounts secure because, in addition to a password, you need access to a separate app, device, or phone number where you can get the code.

Twitter is coming out with text message-based two-factor authorization, which is limited to Twitter Blue customers only.

Why is Twitter doing this?

The San Francisco-based company acknowledged that the text message-based security method has historically been popular with its users, but said the feature is being “used — and abused — by bad actors.”

Also, Twitter’s new boss Elon Musk The company has been trying to find a way to maximize profits since it acquired the company in October 2022.

One of the steps taken by Musk is the launch of Twitter Blue. The feature allows anyone to pay for verification previously reserved for celebrities, journalists and other well-known people.

In its blog, Twitter encouraged users who are not going to subscribe to Twitter Blue to consider using alternative account security options, specifically an authentication app or security key.

These methods require you to have physical possession of the authentication method and are a good way to ensure that your account is secure.

How to secure Twitter account?

An authentication app or a security key can add a layer of account security beyond just a password.

A security key is a small, portable device that generates a set of random numbers that you enter when prompted when logging into an online account.

An authentication app uses the same approach, but the app is available on the phone instead of a separate physical device.

To set up an authentication app to secure your Twitter account, you’ll need to download an available application to your device. These apps are available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

The options available to users include Google, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, Duo Mobile, 1Password, etc.

After you’ve downloaded the Authentication app, open the desktop version of Twitter. Click on the icon showing an ellipsis in a circle. Go to “Settings & Privacy” then go to the “Security & Account Access” option. Here on “Security” choose Authentication App and follow the instructions to set it up.

If you haven’t already done so, Twitter will ask you to share your email address to do so.

Once you’re all set, you can use the auto-generated numeric code from your authentication app to add an extra layer of security when you log in to Twitter.

(with inputs from AP)