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(Image Source: YouTube / Twitter)
BY MATT MORENO
Twitter is hoping a new security option will help keep your account and password private and keep hackers out.
The company unveiled a new, two-step login process Wednesday. As described in this video, the option would have users sign in to their account as normal, then send a verification password to their phones. (Via Youtube / Twitter)
The extra step isn’t mandatory and can be enabled or disabled by going to the settings page. (Via Twitter)
But the update helps add extra security following the recent hacking of several high profile accounts.
Earlier this week, a group calling themselves the Syrian Electronic Army reportedly hacked The Telegraph’s Twitter account. But, its not the only account to fall victim. (Via The Telegraph)
In the past year, the accounts of Burger King, Jeep and the Associated Press were all compromised. Many of the accounts were altered to feature incorrect information. (Via ABC, Fox News, CBS)
In the case of the Associated Press, a tweet on the company’s verified Twitter page read: “Breaking: Two Explosions in the White House and Barack Obama is injured.”
The tweet was false, but caused Wall Street to panic before it was removed by Twitter. So, it might take a little longer to get into your account, but a writer for CNET says it’s a good tradeoff for extra security.
She writes, “The additional security measure certainly complicates the login process, but the extra step is one many Twitter users, particularly brand users, will welcome with open arms.”
The security step requires you to enter your cell phone number to receive the verification codes. Facebook and Google have similar systems.