Twitter is preparing to charge users

Twitter is discontinuing support for free SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) starting on March 21, 2023. Regular social network users are encouraged to switch to the Twitter Blue subscription service, which offers a more secure 2FA method for $8 and $11 for Android and iPhone devices, respectively.

The real reason for this decision is the social network's desire to protect users from the increasing prevalence of SIM card swap scams. Previously, this manipulation was practiced by scammers on former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. However, the official explanation for the need to switch to a new method is security reasons.

Rumors suggest that the new approach is due to Elon Musk and co's reluctance to pay for SMS confirmations and an attempt to increase the number of paid subscribers.

For users who do not wish to spend the amounts above, experts suggest using a physical security key (flash drive or any other accessory/device for connecting to a smartphone or PC to verify the account owner's authenticity and attempted login).

Another alternative is to use authentication apps that generate a unique code for logging in (entered simultaneously with the password).