What exactly is shifting?
Twitter started sending out notifications to its users informing them that the popular text message/SMS method of two-factor verification would be discontinued on March 20.
The procedure of requiring a user to go through two steps in order to verify that they are the owner of the account they are using is known as two-factor authentication.
The first thing that needs to be done is to enter a username and password. A code that is texted to the phone that is associated with the account is the most common choice for the second step. It is easy to copy and paste the code from the text message onto Twitter, which contributes to its widespread adoption.
Twitter stopped allowing new accounts to enroll in the text message/SMS method of two-factor authentication beginning one month ago.
What is causing this change?
Those who subscribe to Twitter Blue and pay the monthly charge of $8 will still have access to two-factor authentication through text message.
Everyone else should assume that financial considerations underlie Twitter’s recent shifts.
According to Elon Musk, Twitter loses $60 million annually due to phone companies’ attempts to swindle the firm using two-factor authentication.
What do my choices consist of?
Here’s some good news: Twitter Blue’s $8 monthly fee for two-factor verification is optional. Then, get an authenticator app and then connect it to your Twitter account.
There are many free choices available to you, such as Two-Factor Authentication System (2FAS), Google Authenticator, Twilio Authy, and Microsoft Authenticator.
Do your homework to select the finest app for your needs. If you’re interested in learning more about these products, PCMag.com has detailed reviews of each. A security key is another alternative.
If I do nothing, what will happen?
If Twitter users who rely on two-factor authentication don’t turn it off by March 20, they may lose access to their accounts.
The Twitter blog doesn’t say anything about locking accounts, but it does say that two-factor authentication by text message will be turned off for any account that has it turned on as of March 20. Removing two-factor authentication by text message does not remove your phone number from being linked to your Twitter account.
Perhaps nothing, or the requirement that users contact Twitter in an effort to have their accounts reactivated.
