The Importance of 2 Factor Authentication on Twitch (and Everywhere Else)
Over the past several months, you may have noticed a significant push for Two Factor Authentication.
the significance of having secure passwords is extremely important. Hackers look for accounts with substantial value which could include Monetary value, or face value. Constantly you hear throughout the online community as a whole, stories of high profile accounts being breached. By enabling two-factor authentication (or 2FA), you get an added layer of security on your accounts, which will help prohibit unauthorized access.
So what is 2FA?
2FA is an added layer of security over your account. In simpler terms, when you have 2FA enabled and try to log in to a specific account, you require two methods of verifying you’re allowed to access the account in question. For example, Users with 2FA enabled for Google Mail can receive a Text Message to their cellphone with a special code which must be keyed in after inserting an account password.
Why is this important on Twitch?
Outside of being important in general. Twitch, at it’s core is a Social Video platform where thousands of people visit and chat on a daily basis. Inevitably, there are members of the community who have malicious intent. These users try various different methods to grab account passwords.
With 2FA enabled on your account, even if a user was able to grab your account’s password, it would make it hard, or seemingly impossible for them to have the ability to access your account.
Okay, how do I set up Two-Factor Authentication on Twitch?
To set up Two-Factor Authentication on Twitch, you need to sign in to your account, and then head to your Security Settings.
Once you select it, follow the instructions on screen. It will ask for your mobile number in order to send you a confirmation code to verify the number you have enabled is correct. It will also ask you to install Authy if you would like to cut down on text messaging expenses. Authy also is a little bit more secure when it comes to password security. Click here to download Authy from the iTunes App Store or click here to get it from the Google Play Store.
That’s it! You’ve set up Two-Factor Authentication for your Twitch account. While I wouldn’t go and click on random links in Twitch Chat, or post your password everywhere, it will make it way harder for people to access your account without your direct approval.
Now that you have that set up, I recommend going and setting up 2FA on your other accounts outside of Twitch as well, you can’t be too careful!
