The social network Twitter has undergone a series of changes since it was bought by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Recently, the bluebird social network announced that from 2023, only subscribers to Twitter Blue, the paid version of the app, will be able to use two-factor authentication, a way of increasing cyber security.  

The creation of more and more profiles on social networks and the increased presence of users online are warning of the intensifying risks of cyber attacks and theft of personal information. That's why it's important to make your accounts more secure to avoid any problems. 

The process, although not intuitive, is quite necessary. Although passwords promise to protect users, they have long since ceased to be sufficient. With the frequency of leaks, the evolution of combination systems and the cleverness of attackers, it's only a matter of time before your profile becomes a target. 

To avoid these types of security incidents, many users are opting for two-factor authentication, a crucial measure to protect accounts on social networks from cyber threats.  

What is two-factor authentication anyway? 

Two-factor authentication is a security process that requires the user to provide two forms of authentication in order to access an online account. In other words, it creates an additional layer of security to protect users' accounts from unauthorized access, even if the password is compromised.  

There are some types of authentication that can be used to increase security on social networks, such as:  

Authenticator application 

This form of authentication allows the user to register several accounts in a single application, whether it's from Google or a third party. It is easy to use and considered one of the most reliable methods, as well as not depending on a network connection to work.  

Magnetic card 

The magnetic card is a restricted method that relies on its own reader to work. Used inside companies, it is considered a safe option for teams that don't need to travel outside the office.  

SMS and e-mail 

The most traditional methods are SMS and e-mail messages. They work by sending an access code so that users can enter it and log in. However, this option is not as effective, because if someone gains access from the user's cell phone or email account, they can obtain the code sent and enter the system.  

Two-factor authentication has proved so effective that it is already widely used in online banking services, email platforms, social networks and other accounts containing sensitive and personal information. 

It is important to choose the most suitable option for each situation and user, taking security and privacy into account.  

Why is two-factor authentication so important? 

As the world becomes increasingly digital and connected, the risk of cyber threats such as hackers, malware, phishing and other malicious activities that can compromise the security of data and personal information increases. 

For this reason, two-factor authentication is one of the most effective tools for strengthening cyber security. It adds an additional layer of protection to the authentication process, requiring the user to provide two or more forms of authentication in order to access an account or device. This means that an attacker would not only need to crack the password or go through a single authentication process, but also overcome other security barriers, such as providing an authentication code generated by an application or a physical token. 

Two-factor authentication also significantly reduces the risk of accounts and systems being hacked. Even if a password is compromised, the attacker would still need to go through the second authentication factor to access the account. What's more, the tool can be easily implemented on various devices and online services, such as email, social networks, online banking and much more. 

How to use two-factor authentication on social networks? 

Twitter's announcement that it will only offer two-factor authentication in the paid version has sparked controversy and debate among its users, as shown in a report on the G1 portal. Many internet users were outraged by the fact that the social network charges to offer security to those who use it.  

However, other popular social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, don't charge anything for users to use the extra layer of security. That's why it's important that you carry out the processes.  

Here's how to activate two-factor authentication:  

On Facebook 

• Open Facebook and go to the security settings; 
• Click on "Two-factor authentication" and select the "Use two-factor authentication" option; 
• Choose whether you want to receive a verification code by SMS or use an authentication application. If you choose to use an application, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up; 
• Verify your phone by entering the code sent by SMS or by scanning the QR code provided by the application; 
• Now, every time you log in to Facebook, you will need to provide an additional verification code to access your account. 

On Instagram 

• Open Instagram and go to the security settings; 
• Select "Two-factor authentication" and tap on "Request security code"; 
• Choose whether you want to receive a verification code by SMS or use an authentication application. If you choose to use an application, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up; 
• Verify your phone by entering the code sent by SMS or by scanning the QR code provided by the application; 
• Activate two-factor authentication by tapping "Activate"; 
• Now, every time you log in to Instagram, you'll need to provide an additional verification code to access your account. 

In TikTok 

• Open TikTok and go to the "Settings and privacy" tab;
• Click on "Security"; 
• Click on "Two-step verification"; 
• Choose to receive a verification code by e-mail or SMS; 
• Activate two-factor authentication by tapping "Activate". 
• Now, every time you log in to TikTok, you will need to provide an additional verification code to access your account. 

On Twitter 

• Log in to your Twitter account. 
• Click on your profile in the top right-hand corner of the screen and select "Settings and privacy";
• In the left-hand column, select "Account" and scroll down until you find the "Security" section. 
• Click on "Login verification" and then select "Get started". 
• Twitter will ask you to re-enter your password to continue. 
• On the next screen, select how you want to receive the verification codes. You can choose to receive the codes by text message (SMS) or via an authenticator application, such as Google Authenticator or Authy. 
• If you choose to receive the codes by SMS, Twitter will send a code to the phone number linked to your account;
• If you choose an authenticator app, Twitter will provide you with a QR code that you must scan with the authenticator app to link your Twitter account. 
• Once the account has been linked, the authenticator application will provide you with a six-digit code that you must enter on Twitter to verify that the configuration has been carried out correctly. 
• If the code is entered correctly, two-factor authentication will be activated for your Twitter account. 

On Whatsapp 

• Open WhatsApp and tap Settings; 
• Tap on Account > Two-step confirmation > Activate; 
• Enter a six-digit PIN and then confirm it; 
• Enter an email address that you have access to or tap Skip if you don't want to add an email. We recommend that you add an e-mail address so that you can reset the two-step confirmation and keep your account secure; 
• Tap on Next; 
• Confirm the e-mail address and tap Save or OK. 

Two-factor authentication is an important measure to ensure greater security when using social networks. So don't waste any time and enable this feature in your applications! 

To find out more about how to increase online security, read our article showing how the internet of the senses raises concerns about cyber security. If you would like more information on cyber security, please contact ISH's team of experts.