The latest Twitter message has created quite a stir among its users. It looks like the social media giant will no longer support SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA) after March 20, 2023. Users will completely lose access to the feature unless they switch to Twitter Blue, which is $8 per month on Android and $11 per month on iOS, or switch to the more secure 2FA method.

SIM swap attacks are becoming more common these days and anyone who has fallen victim to them knows how devastating they can be. Even former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey fell victim to this technique four years ago. It’s easy to see how someone could gain access to your accounts just by stealing a phone number, and for many users it’s a risk not worth the risk.

While Twitter’s official reason for this change is to improve security, there may be a simpler explanation. Sending SMS messages is costly, and Twitter isn’t exactly swimming in cash right now. Even before Elon Musk got involved, the company was phasing out SMS-based 2FA.

But what if they don’t want to lose the added protection of 2FA? There are other, more secure ways to protect your Twitter account. One option is to subscribe to Twitter Blue, which offers additional features in addition to the more secure 2FA. Another option is to use a physical security key, which is a small device you plug into your computer or phone to verify your login attempts. Finally, you can use an authentication program that generates a unique code that you enter along with your login password.

All in all, while Twitter’s decision to end SMS-based 2FA has caused some inconvenience, it’s ultimately a good move for users. Twitter is forcing its users to take more robust security measures by removing this less secure option. Whether you decide to switch to Twitter Blue or use another form of 2FA, it’s important that you take online security seriously and do everything you can to protect your accounts.