With the ever-increasing use of social media platforms, security is of paramount importance. While choosing a strong password might help, there’s still a possibility of getting hacked.
To add an extra layer of protection, you should consider using two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA or two-step verification) is a security method that uses two different ways to verify your identity. Instead of only entering a password to log in, you’ll be asked to enter a code which is sent via text message to your phone or generated via an app. This verification helps make sure that only you can access your account.
We’ve previously pointed out several internet services where you should enable 2FA. Today, let’s see which social media platforms support it and how you can enable them.
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Facebook lets you add an extra layer of security using both, hardware-based and software-based mechanisms. First, here’s how to set up the software-based mechanism.
To enable it, head over to Facebook’s Settings and click on Use two-factor authentication. Add a new mobile number if you haven’t already. Click on Setup. Here, click on Enable and enter your Facebook password to confirm. Now, whenever you sign in to Facebook from a new device, it’ll send a unique code to your mobile number. You will need to enter this code along with your password to log in successfully.
Facebook also supports hardware-based authentication using Universal 2nd Factor (U2F)-compatible security keys. It’s a little convenient than the earlier method as you can just tap your physical security key instead of having to enter a security code. To learn more about security keys, head over to Facebook’s support page.
Previously, we had shared a few tips to secure your Twitter account. Enabling two-factor authentication can help you double down on your Twitter account’s security.
Twitter calls its two-factor authentication service as “Login Verification.” To enable it, go to Twitter’s Settings. Click the checkbox to Verify login requests. Click Okay, send me a message. Click Yes when you receive the verification message. Click Send code to add your mobile number. Enter the verification code sent to your device and hit Submit.
Now, whenever you log into your Twitter account, you’ll receive a six-digit login code on your phone. Enter this code along with your password to login to your Twitter account. Note that Twitter supports limited mobile carriers. You can check if your carrier is supported by going to Twitter’s help page.
Earlier this year, Instagram started rolling out two-factor authentication for its 800 million monthly active users. To enable it, open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile page. Tap the Settings icon. Scroll down and tap Two-Factor Authentication. Turn on Require Security Code. It’ll send a security code to your associated phone number. If you haven’t associated one yet, you’ll be asked to enter it.
Now, whenever you log into your Instagram account, you’ll receive a security code on your phone. Enter this code along with your password to log in. In case you cannot receive text messages on your number, you can use any of the backup codes to log in to your Instagram account.
In 2012, LinkedIn’s security was breached, and it was said that around 6.5 million accounts were affected. Four years later, the situation turned out much worse as it was revealed that a whopping 117 million users had been affected. In the rise of such events, turning on two-factor authentication for LinkedIn is highly recommended.
To enable it, open LinkedIn’s privacy settings. Scroll down to the Security tab. Click Change next to Two-step verification. Click Turn on. You’ll receive a security code on your associated phone number. Enter the code in the box and click Verify. Two-factor authentication is now enabled for your LinkedIn account.
Pinterest is a great tool to organize and share the tools you love, but it has its own set of security issues. Fortunately, it supports two-factor authentication.
To turn on Pinterest’s two-factor authentication, head over to Pinterest’s account settings. Tap on Security. Turn on Require code at login. Enter your password and click Next. Check your phone for a security code. Enter your code and click Verify. Two-factor authentication is now enabled for your Pinterest account.
In case you cannot receive text messages on your number, you can use any of the backup codes to log in to your Pinterest account.
Snapchat
Snapchat offers two-step verification to secure your Snapchat account across all of your devices. To enable it, open Snapchat on your mobile device. Tap the ghost icon on the bottom of the screen. Tap the settings icon. Scroll down and select Login Verification. Tap Continue. Choose to verify via Text or Authentication app.
If you opt to verify via text, a security code will be sent to your number. If you choose to use an authentication app, you can generate code using an app such as Google Authenticator. Enter the verification code you receive. Two-factor authentication should now be enabled for your Pinterest account.
In case you cannot receive text messages on your number, you can generate codes using Google Authenticator or its alternatives.
No Support for Two-Factor Authentication Yet
While a lot of social media platforms have stepped up their security game, not every company has made the jump. A few notable ones that don’t support two-factor authentication yet include Quora, Reddit, Foursquare, and Goodreads. We hope that these companies roll out two-factor authentication as early as possible.
What do you think of two-factor authentication? Have you enabled two-factor authentication for all your social accounts? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
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