TRON founder Justin Sun took to Twitter to make a non-SMS two-factor authentication security recommendation after the high profile account hacking of Jack Dorsey.
Jack Dorsey’s Twitter Account Hacked
Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter and created the bitcoin payment app Square, had his account hacked on Aug. 30. Despite being one of the most high-profile figures in social media, the hacker was able to gain control of Dorsey’s personal Twitter profile, publishing a series of profane tweets that were eventually deleted.
Twitter published an update later in the day, stating that Dorsey had suffered a compromise to his mobile provider, which allowed the unauthorized user to publish tweets via text messages.
The phone number associated with the account was compromised due to a security oversight by the mobile provider. This allowed an unauthorized person to compose and send tweets via text message from the phone number. That issue is now resolved.
— Twitter Comms (@TwitterComms) August 31, 2019
Following on the high-profile hack, Justin Sun recommended TRON users to avoid using SMS-based security systems and instead adopt a two-factor authentication protocol like the one provided by Google.
Change your @Twitter and crypto account authentication to non-SMS based 2FA like Google Authenticator immediately. https://t.co/Q9oKZoLTIC
— Justin Sun (@justinsuntron) August 31, 2019
Other community members joined Sun in his recommendation, pointing out how easy it is for hackers to enact SIM card swaps which allow for manipulation of SMS-based security systems.
While blockchains provide a secure protocol for transactions, crypto users have been at the mercy of hacks due to inadequate account and wallet protections. 2FA protocols have become a mainstay in the industry, as they require an additional layer of security beyond sending a text message.