In March 2023, Twitter shut off SMS-based two-factor authentication(2FA) if you don’t pay for Twitter Blue. 2FA is an added layer to secure your social media accounts. Passwords alone aren’t enough to secure accounts because they can be hacked. But with 2FA, you can deny access to anyone trying to get into your social media.
2FA works in multiple ways. Twitter offered SMS-based authentication. When you log in to your account, you use a one-time code each time after entering your password. However, SMS-based authentication isn’t entirely safe. This is because you can still be a victim of SIM-swap fraud.
Why is authentication important?
A report from the Identity Theft Resource Centre showed that in 2021, data breaches increased by 68% from 2020, the highest number recorded. All organisations are at high risk of cyberattacks and ransomware attacks. Many also don’t have robust systems for users to protect themselves better from identity fraud.
In February 2023, Meta launched a verification rollout where users could provide their government ID to get a badge. It costs $14.99 on the mobile app and $11.99 on browsers monthly. It provides extra authentication and security. However, like Twitter Blue, it’s another subscription cost that most users aren’t willing to pay for. Considering that anyone can now pay for verification, they can impersonate you easily.
Social media platforms now hold a lot of data, such as credit card information, job history, messages, contacts, and access to other apps on your phone. Scammers can use this information to con your contacts, drain your funds, hold personal details for ransom, or sell it on the dark web.
Many users also reuse passwords for multiple accounts, which makes cracking passwords easier. When a company has a data breach and comes across usernames and emails, they can attempt to log in to other accounts using the password they found. Using 2FA helps reduce the risk of further breaches when you’ve been compromised. This also prompts you to change your password.
Types of authentication tools
With Twitter disabling SMS-based 2FA for people who haven’t paid for Twitter Blue, it’s not farfetched that other companies can try this to generate more income. Therefore, it’s important to know other authentication tools.
1. Social Login APIs
APIs are Application Programming Interfaces. They enable apps to receive simple external commands. This is when you use Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook accounts to log in to other accounts. In addition, it reduces password fatigue and makes authentication easier.
For example, the Google login API gives you control of third-party access to apps. It also extends Google authentication protocols to the account. Logging in to Google requires you to have your phone with you so you can verify that you are the one logging in.
2. Authenticator App by 2Stable
This is a subscription-based authentication app for Apple users. It provides biometric verification, synchronisation of your account data, backup, face ID, auto lock, and full encryption for all your iCloud data.
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The app is free for users who only need up to two 2FA accounts, but it doesn’t offer backup and syncing. You unlock all features for $15 per year.
3. Authy
It’s available for all operating systems. Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android users can access it. Authy provides up to 100 authentications for free. The app provides touch ID, PINs, and passwords. It requires a new phone number to set up and charges extra for additional authentications.
4. Duo
This is a great authentication app for corporations. Duo Mobile offers one-tap, push notifications, biometrics, and passcode authentication. It also provides Duo Restore, a backup for all accounts under Duo. It’s free for up to 10 accounts, then starts charging a monthly fee of $3.
5. Google Authenticator
Google provides one of the easiest-to-use, free authenticators. However, it doesn’t offer online backups or authentication for Apple Watch. Android devices already have access to it. But other operating systems can take advantage of it.
6. LastPass
It provides six-digit passcodes, SMS authentication, and push notifications. To get backup, you must set up a free account on LastPass.
7. Microsoft Authenticator
Windows provides a free cross-platform authenticator that is great for schools and organisations. Using it for backup on iCloud or Google Drive can be inconvenient. It provides 2FA using phone sign-in and generating codes. You will see an example if you use OneDrive, Microsoft’s work services.
8. TOPT Authenticator
This is available for Android, iOS users, and some browsers. It has a Chrome extension that generates codes easily. It also enables backup to Google Drive with a premium account which you pay a one-time fee of $6.
Choosing the best authenticator depends on your needs, budget, and device compatibility.
Check out:
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