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TWITTER IS REMOVING the ability to use text messages for two-factor authentication from all users except for paid monthly subscribers.
Only users who are paying for ‘Twitter Blue’, a subscription model born out of Elon Musk’s takeover, will be able to have a text sent to their phone to verify a sign-in attempt.
All other Twitter users have been told to remove text messages as their two-factor authentication method by 19 March to avoid losing access to the platform.
A notice to users today outlines: “Only Twitter Blue subscribers can use the text message two-factor authentication method. It’ll just take a few minutes to remove it.”
“You can still use the authentication app and security key methods.
“To avoid losing access to Twitter, remove text message two-factor authentication by Mar 19, 2023.”
The notice attempts to direct users to a page on Twitter Help for more information, though an erroneous hashtag at the start of the link renders it unclickable. It can be accessed here.
The page says that non-subscribers who have text message authentication enabled on 20 March “will be prompted to disable it before you can continue to use your account”.
It notes that the availability of the text message option for Twitter Blue users may vary by country and phone carrier.
Two-factor authentication is a security measure used for a multitude of platforms and softwares that adds an additional barrier to logging in with the aim of ensuring only the real owner can use the account.
Two-factor authentication methods using text messages typically require the user to add their phone number to their account. When they sign in with their password, a text is sent to their phone with a code or link that must be used to successfully gain access.
Other methods available on Twitter are an authentication app or physical security key.
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Putting a paywall on 2FA SMS (even if it’s the weakest type of 2FA) is troubling. Then again Musk must be desperate to save €0.03 per SMS.
Musk was doing a better job of keeping a low media profile recently. It’s never good for him or Twitter when he makes splashes in the news cycle. Also, how is that search going for a new boss for Twitter, after another of his polls resulted in his being ‘voted’ out of that position?
So accounts will get hacked and even less people will use it, great idea superbrain
@Genera L Consensus: people will still be able to use other forms of auth for 2FA (like google authenticator) just not SMS, which costs them money.
@Garvan Gallagher: Unfortunately, many will just disable 2FA as they won’t like the inconvenience of having to access another app or push authentication requires of a physical security key
Finally came off Twitter this week which was a massive step for me. All it took was getting suspended for being mean about Leo ha!
On the face of it, this looks daft or a cost cutting exercise. But it’s actually quite clever from an anti-spam or anti-bot point of view. SMS 2FA is insecure compared to other forms of 2FA. SMS can be intercepted remotely whereas using an app is more secure as you need physical access to the device. And hacking a device remotely is more difficult than intersecting an SMS. Making SMS 2FA for paid users makes sense as they will have credit card info to verify the user as part of a multi-layer authentication process.
The man is losing his mind
Why should they pay it, anyone using Twitter likely already had Authenticator app installed on their phone for their email and or other websites.
When your bank changes their authentication it’s not news worthy!
Who in the right mind could possibly think monetising 2fA is a good idea? It’s almost like Musk has no clue what he is doing and somehow failed upwards his entire life.
Don’t panic folks if your using an iPhone just use the password auto fill where it will create a verification code compatible with twitter.
I think I get the gist of this move but fortunately it doesn’t matter to me. A couple of weeks ago I deleted the app. I found it to be the greatest piece of time wasting rubbish extremely vicious even by today’s no holds barred culture.
Apps gone to pot since Musk took over anyway so seriously thinking of dumping it
have your say