This Sunday (19) Deadline expires to remove two-step authentication (2FA) via text message (SMS) on Twitter. If users do not, the social network warns that access to accounts can be prevented.
In February, Twitter announced that SMS login authentication would be limited to subscribers of Twitter Blue, the platform’s subscription service that costs up to BRL 60 per month. In the announcement, the company said that the security measure can be ineffective in malicious campaigns, but that about 74% of people use it.
Twitter warning about two-step authentication via SMS.
“Only Twitter Blue subscribers can use two-step authentication enabled via text message. It takes at least a few minutes to remove it,” reads a general message on the social network, encouraging users to utilize “security key methods and the authenticator application”.
The measure, despite the justification that the method is not the safest, did not please most users. The charge for using 2FA on the social network, considered a basic security measure, is among the complaints.
Will I lose my account?
In a message displayed in the app, Twitter states: “To avoid losing access to Twitter, please remove two-step authentication enabled via text message by March 19, 2023.” To continue using the account, you will need to deactivate this method. and opt for others, such as using manager apps — such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, for example.
In the app, just do the following:
1. Tap on your profile picture and then on the “Settings and Support” menu;
2. Select the “Settings and Privacy” option;
3. Tap “Security and Account Access” and then “Security” on the next page;
Twitter security settings menu.
4. Select the “Two-Step Authentication” option;
5. Here, you have three options: “Text Message”, “Authentication App” and “Security Key”;
6. Disable the SMS option and, if applicable, opt for an authentication app.
After disabling the option, you will need to enter the account password to confirm the action.
Last Wednesday (15), the Consumer Defense Institute (Idec) notified Twitter because of the new measure. The agency understands that this violates Brazilian legislation, as it offers security as a “privilege” for Blue subscribers. The notification was also sent to the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon), to assess the case.
