There’s nothing quite as embarrassing as having a simple password and being hacked. I’m not sure a week goes by that I don’t have someone that I know getting hacked on Twitter and sending me a suspicious link via direct message. This doesn’t have to happen. Social sites like Twitter offer another layer of security by coordinating logins with your mobile device. It’s called Twitter Login Verification.
If I log into an application using Twitter, Twitter immediately sends me a text message with a 6-digit code that I have to enter on a second step. Since I’m the only one with the mobile phone, I’m the only one getting the text message! Here’s how it’s done:
First, sign into Twitter and select Settings from the menu on the top right:
Then select Password and if you’re not verified you will be prompted with a link to Associate your Mobile Phone:
Now you will need to go to your mobile device and text GO to 40404. The page will be waiting for the text message from your phone number and as soon as it’s received, you’ll get a success message.
You will also receive an email message confirming the mobile device was added:
You’re not done yet! Unless you want to get a ton of messages via mobile, be sure to update your mobile messaging alerts as the final step: