In the backdrop of rampant hacking and ever-mounting data tracking, an additional layer of safeguard for sensitive information against unauthorized access has become indispensable. Of course, nothing can guarantee a full-proof shield against hackers these days. However, it always pays to have some extra cushion under the hood to prevent the unexpected from turning out to be a reality, doesn’t it? So, if the security of your major social accounts has been giving you sleepless nights and you don’t want your personal data to easily fall into wrong hands, make the most of two-factor authentication. If you don’t know where to begin, here is a rundown to help you enable two-factor authentication on your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
So, How Does 2FA Work?
For those unfamiliar, 2FA adds an extra layer of shield to your account. Thus, even if someone is able to steal your password, the master key will still be with you. Once you have set up 2FA for your social accounts, the respective app will send you a verification code on your registered number or the authenticator app to verify the login attempt – every single time.
On iOS and Android Device
Note: Steps are almost the same for both iOS and Android. So, you shouldn’t have any problem going through them regardless of which side of the stream you belong to.
On your mobile device, open Facebook > tap on the More button (three horizontal lines) and then head into the Settings.
Open a web browser on your computer and head over to facebook.com. After that, sign in to your account and click on the tiny downward arrow at the top right corner of the screen. Then, choose Settings in the menu.
Under the General section in the sidebar, click on Security and login.
Open the Instagram app on your mobile device > tap on the profile tab and then head into the Settings.
Open a web browser on your device and head over to instagram.com. After that, log in to your account and then click on the profile tab at the top right corner of the screen.
Now, click on the Settings icon located near your profile picture.
Open the Twitter app on your mobile device and then tap on your profile photo. Now, tap on Settings and privacy.
Note: As of now, you can’t use a security key to authenticate your Twitter app. Do note that it doesn’t work on the web either.
Open a web browser on your computer and go to twitter.com. Then, sign in to your account, if you aren’t already. After that, click on the More button (…) in the sidebar.
Finally, choose the medium through which you want to receive the verification code and then follow the instructions to set up the two-factor authentication for your Twitter account.
