Twitch has been the largest live streaming video platform for quite some time, and now they decided to push out an update that helps users protect their accounts. Two-Factor Authentication is now available on all Twitch accounts.

Enabling this feature adds one more layer of security by requiring something that you have in your possession, with the first layer being something you know (e.g. your password). This thing you have is a code, which can be generated through a Two-Factor Authentication application, or sent to you via a text message. This generated code changes after a brief interval, usually 30 seconds. Due to the nature of Two-Factor Authentication, attackers are unable to access your account without being able to generate one of these secure codes. Twitch has teamed up with Authy to generate a secure code for you. I've been using Authy for a few years now, and I highly recommend it as a way to manage your Two-Factor codes. Unfortunately, they are not supporting TOTP (Time-based One-time Password Algorithm) right now, so you are limited to Authy or a text message.

Two-Factor Authentication Setup Confirmation

The setup process, just as the blog post says, takes less than five minutes. Head over to Twitch.tv and navigate to Security & Privacy in your account settings to start the process. After I entered my phone number, I instantly had a notification from Authy telling me that a new Twitch account was added. A few taps later and everything was done. The mobile apps for both Android and iOS also support signing in with Two-Factor Authentication. Unfortunately, I was unable to take a screenshot of the Authy app due to security limitations.

Authy New Account Notifications, Android Twitch Mobile App, Code via SMS

It seems like a no-brainer to enable Two-Factor on my accounts whenever I have the option. If you have done it before, this will be easy. If you're looking to get started, check out Twitch & Authy below.