Twitter is making changes to its two-factor authentication (2FA) system, which is designed to add an extra layer of security to users’ accounts. Starting this month, Twitter Blue subscribers who use SMS-based 2FA will be charged $2.99 per month for the service.
According to Twitter, the move is intended to provide more robust security options, including a hardware-based security key, which is considered the most secure form of 2FA. In a statement, the company said, “While we still offer SMS-based 2FA, we’re encouraging people to switch to more secure methods like a hardware security key.”
The move is part of Twitter’s broader effort to improve the security of its platform and protect users from cyber threats. In recent years, Twitter has been the target of high-profile cyberattacks, including a massive hack in 2020 that compromised the accounts of several high-profile individuals and organizations. The company has also been criticized for its handling of security breaches and data leaks, with some users calling for more robust security measures to be put in place.
Twitter Blue is a subscription service that offers users access to exclusive features, such as an undo button that allows them to recall tweets before they’re sent. The service costs $2.99 per month in the US and £2.49 in the UK, and is currently only available in a limited number of countries.
The move to charge for SMS-based 2FA has been met with criticism from some Twitter users, who argue that the service should be provided free of charge. However, others have pointed out that hardware-based security keys are a more secure option, and that users who are serious about protecting their accounts should consider using them.
In addition to SMS-based 2FA and hardware security keys, Twitter also offers 2FA via an authentication app like Google Authenticator, as well as the ability to use a backup code in case the primary method of authentication fails. The company recommends that users enable 2FA to protect their accounts and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to their personal information and data.
Overall, while the move to charge for SMS-based 2FA may be unpopular with some users, it reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards more robust security measures and a greater emphasis on protecting user data. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it’s likely that we will see more companies implementing similar measures in the future.
