Twitter has implemented additional security after a wave of attacks on the profiles of influential media outlets.<\/p>\n
The social media service now allows users to log in with a two-step approach, similar to online banking, where users must enter a code which is sent separately by text message for each log-in.<\/p>\n
Experts had been calling for such additional security measures for some time.<\/p>\n
The Twitter accounts of the BBC, Associated Press and Financial Times were recently hacked, with the hackers getting the passwords via phishing emails and then seizing the accounts.<\/p>\n
The hacker group Syrian Electronic Army took responsibility for the attacks, saying the western media had been providing false information about the civil war in Syria.<\/p>\n
The AP attack was especially serious because the hackers sent a bogus announcement of an explosion in the White House that injured President Barack Obama, which resulted in a downturn in the US financial market.<\/p>\n
In February, hackers got into the Twitter accounts of Burger King and Jeep and announced their companies were being sold to competitors.<\/p>\n
Hackers usually obtain passwords through prepared emails with apparently harmless links. Additional text message codes would then stop password thieves from being able to log into an account.<\/p>\n
The online service said previously authorized Twitter apps will continue to work without problems. But Twitter also said the text message system would not work with all mobile operators.<\/p>\n
Google is also implementing a two-step log-in procedure. Instead of a text message, there is the Authenticator app in which pre-programmed codes are shown directly on the mobile device.<\/p>\n
Absa, MTN team to fight SIM-swap fraud<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter to boost security after hacking spree<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n SAPS: no confidential info leaked in hack<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n