Two-factor reduces the risk of hacking as even if hackers get access to the user’s password, it makes it difficult to log in to their account without the code.
Two-Factor Authentication for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Gmail: Facebook has admitted that passwords of millions of users were stored on its internal servers in plain text, readable by its employees. Though the company denies misuse of the passwords, archives of which dates back to 2012, it is recommended that users of Facebook and Instagram change their passwords.
Two-factor authentication across social media platforms is also recommended as well as it adds an extra layer of security. The feature essentially blocks any unauthorized login attempt as it requires a unique code that users receive on their added phone number to log in to account.
The code can be sent via SMS to the user’s registered mobile number, though it is advised to download a third-party authenticator app such as Google Authenticator. Within the app, one adds their Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter accounts, codes for will keep refreshing within 30 seconds or so. The two-factor authentication can be disabled anytime.
How to set up two-factor authentication for Facebook:
1. Open Facebook and click on the Settings menu
2. Tap Security and Login
3. Scroll down to find ‘Use two-factor authentication’ under ‘Setting Up Extra Security’
4. Click on ‘Get Started’
5. One will have the option of either getting code via text message for which users will have to set up their mobile number.
6. Another option is to get code authentication apps such as Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile
7. Those setting up two-factor authentication on the same device will need to click on the option, ‘Set up on the same device’. Make sure the authentication app is downloaded.
8. Users will be directed to their authenticator app, where they should see their Facebook account added.
9. Go back to Facebook, click on ‘Next’ and add the latest code. Click on ‘Finish’ when the message that says two-factor authentication is on appears.
10. People trying to set up two-factor authentication using a different device will need to open their authenticator app and scan the barcode.
How to set up two-factor authentication for Instagram:
1. Users will need to click on the gear icon on the top right on their profile, click on Setting, and then Privacy and Security.
2. Next, tap on two-factor authentication and choose whether to get security code via text message or authenticator app.
3. In case of text message, the Instagram app will ask users to add a phone number to their account.
4. After users add their phone number, they will get a security code each time they log in to your Instagram account.
5. People who choose the authenticator app options will be directed to their authenticator app where they should see their Instagram account added.
6. Go back to Instagram, click on Next, and enter the latest code from the authenticator app to set up two-factor authentication.
How to set up two-factor authentication for Twitter:
1. Click on the profile icon on the Twitter account and then click ‘Settings and privacy’.
2. Tap on the ‘Accounts’ tab and ‘Security’.
3. Next, users will need to click on the ‘Login verification’ button.
4. Under ‘Verification methods’, choose between ‘text message’, ‘mobile security app’, or ‘security key’.
5. For text messages, users will need to enter their mobile number to get code via text every time they log in to their Twitter account.
6. Once users select the second option, they will be asked to log in with their password and click on ‘Set up now’.
7. Twitter account will be added to the authenticator app on the user’s phone.
8. Go back to twitter, add the latest code from the authenticator app, and finally click on ‘Verify’ to set up two-factor authentication via a third-party authenticator app.
