Edie here: We have such generous contributors! Ginny lost 5,000 followers in a Facebook hack and now she's sharing her hard-learned lessons with us. Writers, don’t risk your platform—learn how two-factor authentication (2FA) can protect your social media accounts.
I Lost 5,000 Followers Overnight—Here's Why Writers Must Use 2FA
by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra security method that requires two different forms of verification to log in to an online account. We all know that online accounts, such as your email or electricity bill, require a username and password. 2FA is when your online vendor requires you to enter an additional security code after you provide your username and password. This unique code is sent to another of your accounts, such as an email or cellphone. When you receive it, you enter the security code on the vendor's website to complete the login process. This process is an example of using 2FA to log in to your accounts.
While most of us who shop, pay bills, or bank online are familiar with and see the need for 2FA, writers should seriously consider using this extra security step on all their social media accounts. Since social media accounts do not require 2FA at this time, you may have opted for convenience over safety. So did I, until disaster hit.
Why Writers Need to Use 2FA
Many of you have labored for years to build a large social media following on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Those numbers are needed when you're shopping for a publisher, agent, or editor. You value those followers. Do you protect those accounts as diligently as you do your online credit card or banking accounts?
Take a moment to ask yourself what would happen if your largest social media account were hacked and you lost access. That’s what happened to me a while back. I shared some details in my article, How a Facebook Hack Renewed My Promise to God.
At the time of the hack, my Facebook accounts (I had two) had 5000+ followers. Those accounts were attached to Meta Business Suite (a part of Facebook). A hacker gained access to my Meta account and locked me out. They then posted material that violated Meta's Community Standards, causing Facebook to suspend my accounts. Despite having professional assistance, my accounts were unrecoverable. Starting over was my only recourse. My largest social media accounts dissolved in seconds after years of building. If I’d had 2FA, the hack would likely have never happened.
How 2FA Blocks Hackers
Since my Facebook hacking debacle, I have set up 2FA on all of my social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest, and LinkedIn). I also changed all my passwords to ones much harder to remember. I now use an app that creates complex passwords and will remember them for me.
While logging in is more cumbersome now, it’s safer. When the accounts recognize your device (computer, tablet, or cellphone), the login is smooth. But if someone attempts to log in with a hacked password, the 2FA request goes to the email or phone number you set up. Therefore, the hacker will not receive that code and can’t log in. An added benefit is that if someone is attempting to hack into one of your accounts, you are alerted when you receive a 2FA code that you didn’t request. That’s your signal to change your password immediately.
A Final Note
I had selected rapid logins over security on my social media accounts. My passwords were easy for me to remember and easily hackable. I often didn’t log out each time; leaving the accounts open made it easier for me to switch between tasks. No longer do I do that. Yes, it can be irritating, but losing 5000+ followers taught me that using 2FA is a small thing when it comes to protecting your body of work.
What accounts do you have secured with 2FA?
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