Twitter remains to be the top microblogging site. It’s been a decade since the website was launched and it has totally changed the way we do communication. The social media network has gained millions of users and probably billions of tweets have been sent already. Some of the most recent updates include the addition of swipe tabs, slide-out menu, FAB; more ways to maximize the 140-character limit, and the night mode. Let’s not forget the Material Design UI update a couple of months ago, as well as, Periscope.
Summer has started for some and for Twitter, it means launching another round of updates especially since there are numerous reports and complaints about Twitter accounts being hacked. The guys behind Twitter shared that there’s been a leak of @names and passwords but the leakage didn’t happen because someone got inside one of the company’s servers. This usually happens when another big website’s security is breach. There is a possibility that information like the names and passwords may have been gathered from the other breaches recently and a malware gathering passwords.
Even if Twitter is not directly hacked and compromised, the devs always want to make sure that accounts are safe by locking the accounts. This way, Twitter account owners may have to reset the password. Not all accounts were locked but only those identified who may be needing extra protection.
Twitter has shared its processes on how to protect the accounts. Twitter looks at the HTTPS and makes sure email from twitter.com is secure. Account credentials are secured using bcrypt while devices, location, and login history are also being checked. Twitter checks if there may be any suspicious activity.
Twitter also sends a password reset notification to some accounts of people whose passwords have been exposed. Those account owners identified and notified may need to reset their passwords. Actually, you don’t need Twitter to send you a message. If you haven’t changed your password in a long time, make sure you do. You can also enable the login verification. You can choose the 2-factor authentication so account security is improved.
Use a stronger password as much as possible. It’s best if it’s something you haven’t used in other websites or profiles yet. Take advantage of a password manager so you can use and remember unique password every time. There’s LastPass or 1Password as cool examples.
Hacks and password breaches will only happen because no matter how secure a website or server is, someone will always outsmart the developers. Every website or server that is hacked may result to other possible breaches in other websites. It’s because information earlier obtained can always be used for other websites or accounts.
Twitter promises security so don’t worry about your account. But to be sure, just reset your password regularly.
SOURCE: Twitter
