LinkedIn launches two-step verification to increase account security

LinkedIn has unveiled technology to improve the security of the social networking site for professionals, about a week after Twitter introduced similar tools following a surge in high-profile attacks on its users.

The optional service, known as two-factor authentication, is designed to verify the identity of users as they log in by requiring them to enter numeric codes sent via text message. This system helps curb unauthorised sign-ins. Many companies provide this service as a password and a security code which is either sent to a user's mobile phone via a text message or generated using a mobile authenticator app which can be found on all platforms such as iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone 7.

As reported earlier, many online services have begun this process, viewing it as a necessity for security. In 2012, following a breach of security, Dropbox announced that it was launching the two-step verification process to enhance user account security. Other companies that have been seen implementing this process include Microsoft, which was confirmed in an official post last month. Microsoft account users can now see this option as an additional security measure for all their account, with the company offering the two-step process in the form of a password and a code that will be sent to a user's phone or email on file.

LinkedIn launches a two-step authentication process for its users accounts...

LinkedIn introduced the service on Friday, about a year after highly publicised breaches exposed passwords of millions of its users. Some security experts criticised LinkedIn at the time, saying the firm had failed to use best practices to secure its passwords. Now, when users log in from an unknown PC or device, LinkedIn will prompt them to go for the two-step verification.

In recent news, Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom has made the claim that the two-step authentication method which is being used by Google, Facebook and now Twitter has violated a patent that is registered in his name. The Megaupload founder, who is now being chased by US authorities, has since been found saying that he is considering suing the three companies.

LinkedIn has provided the instructions needed to enable the optional two-step verification service to its 225 million users which can be seen here. However, unlike many other companies that are providing this service, LinkedIn does not have a smartphone app feature. The company can only send verification codes via SMS.

With inputs from Reuters