There have been several instances of Twitter accounts being hacked in recent months. Using stolen credentials and fraudulent links, cyber criminals frequently target Twitter accounts with a significant number of followers. In addition to possibly exploiting private information for financial gain, attackers can use Twitter handles to reveal account information of Twitter users as part of hacktivist operations and publish email contents, database dumps, and other sensitive information.
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In response to the incident, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has released a list of steps users should follow to ensure that their accounts are not hacked.
How to protect your Twitter account from hackers:
1. Use a Strong Account-Specific Password - Make a long and strong password just for Twitter, and make sure it's not used anywhere else. Uppercase, lowercase, numerals, and symbols are all part of a strong password. You can use password management software to keep all of your login credentials safe. Personal information (phone numbers, dates of birth, etc.) and common dictionary terms and sequences should not be included in a password (1234, abcd, etc.).
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication - An extra layer of protection for a Twitter account is two-factor authentication. To improve authentication security, a security code or security key can be used in addition to a password. This option can be enabled in Twitter's Security settings. To log in to a Twitter account after this feature is activated, a user will require a password and a secondary login mechanism, such as a code, a login confirmation via an app, or a physical security key.
3. Phishing is on the rise, and attackers will try to gain access to personal information through tweets, emails, and direct messages on Twitter. Always be cautious while inputting login credentials and be wary of fraudulent links.
4. Use Twitter on Secure Devices - Make sure Twitter is accessed via secure devices (computers, mobile phones, tablets, etc.) that are up to date on software and anti-virus software.
5. Be Wary of Social Engineering Techniques - Never give out your login or password to strangers, especially those who promise you followers or money.
6. Examine Twitter Notifications - When a user logs in to their Twitter account for the first time from a new device, Twitter will send them a push notice or an email as an added layer of security. Twitter will send a notification to the previously-used email address on the account whenever the email address linked with the account is changed. These warnings will assist you in regaining control of your account if it has been compromised.
7. Use Third-Party Apps With Caution - Many third-party applications require you to connect in with your Twitter account. Before granting third-party applications access to a user account, they should exercise caution. It's a good idea to keep an eye on the apps that have access to a user's Twitter account. By going to the Applications page in the account settings, a user can cancel access for applications that they don't recognise or that are Tweeting on their behalf.
If you want to protect your Twitter account from being hacked, then follow these tips
Step 1. Change your password
Step 2. Two Step Authentication
Step 3. Beware of Suspicious Links
Step 4. Do not share details on third party apps
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