Today's Twitter update has a keen focus on security. Back in May, the company introduced an SMS-based two-factor authentication system for signing into the service. Now login requests can be be verified using just the mobile app. Users can sign into Twitter and enjoy the extra security of two-factor authentication without having to provide a phone number or worry about cell reception. The app also generates backup codes just in case your phone isn't available when you want to sign in later on. Yet in my case, I had to use the backup code even with my phone in front of me.
To get started
- From the Me tab in the Twitter application, open Settings and then tap Security (Android users: you’ll need to tap your name before you can select Security)
- Turn on Login verification
- Store the generated backup code in a safe place. You will need to use this code if you need to access your account when you don’t have your phone.
- After you enroll in login verification, you’ll use the Twitter application to approve requests each time you sign in to twitter.com with your username and password.
After following these step, I received the expected login request notification. Unfortunately, the app didn't seem to realize it. It says there are no login requests, even though it just notified me that there was one. I had to use the backup code to login and go through the effort of generating a new one.
There's also a new gallery view for photos that pop up in search results. It's attractive, smooth, and works just fine.
Grab the Twitter app below if you don't already have it, but approach the new security feature with caution. They may need a bit more time to work out the kinks.
Source: Twitter