Twitter rolls out shocking Security changes
It’s no secret that ever since Elon Musk’ took over Twitter there have been some major changes. Most of which are controversial and have the tendency to push away a lot of their user base. From removing 3rd party access to APIs to developers to putting Twitter Blue in place behind a paywall the sweep of changes just keeps coming in. However, what is happening now is a leap into not just the unreasonable but the dangerous.
It has been decided as confirmed by the Twitter Support account that as of the 20th of March 2023, Twitter will be removing 2FA security from all accounts and will only be accessible to Twitter Blue subscribers.
Effective March 20, 2023, only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use text messages as their two-factor authentication method. Other accounts can use an authentication app or security key for 2FA. Learn more here:https://t.co/wnT9Vuwh5n
— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) February 18, 2023
For those who don’t know, 2FA, two-factor authentication, is a security tool. It allows the user to have a second way to confirm someone is using their account. For instance, those who have 2FA on their Twitter account at the minute would get an accompanying text message with a code that they will be prompted to enter when they log in. It is a very useful, and very secure way of protecting your accounts. As it means that it is impossible to get into your account without getting the separate code that is sent to you.
Removing this feature from the main populous of the user base is a disaster waiting to happen. With so many small businesses, influencers, or other industries that rely on platforms like Twitter for information gathering and sharing immediately makes all of these accounts more easily accessible for bad actors to get hold of these accounts. This will undoubtedly make it easier for certain accounts to be more easily targeted now that they will be visible to those who will have 2FA attached to their account. It’s the equivalent of having a neon sign over your account saying “I’m a vulnerable account”.
Whether this is just another thing that will be rolled back after the substantial back lock that this is causing or if this is just another hole in the boat of the ship called Twitter. We shall just have to wait and see.