Twitter says it is bringing in an optional two-step login process for its users to improve the security of each account, following recent high-profile breaches within the social network.

The news comes after a number of high-profile Twitter accounts were illegitimately accessed, including those of major news organisations such as the Financial Times and the Associated Press (AP), the latter causing widespread panic when hackers sent a fake news tweet claiming US President Barack Obama had been injured. This followed an attack against Twitter itself in February, which led to 250,000 users having their passwords stolen.

Mr. Jim O’Leary (product security head of Twitter) explained the new two-factor authentication system thusly:

“You’ll need a confirmed email address and a verified phone number. After a quick test to confirm that your phone can receive messages from Twitter, you’re ready to go.”

A message containing a verification code would then be sent to the account holder’s mobile phone that can be used to log in. However, he also reminded Twitter users of the importance of strong passwords:

“Of course, even with this new security option turned on, it’s still important for you to use a strong password and follow the rest of our advice for keeping your account secure.”

However, Kim Dotcom – owner of Mega.co.nz file sharing site, itself the spiritual successor of the controversial former file upload website MegaUpload – is threatening a patent lawsuit over the Social Network’s newfound use of two-factor authentication. Extending the threat to Google, Facebook, Twitter, Citibank and other companies that have implemented the system, he claims the use of mobile devices to offer a second layer of security for website logins infringes a patent describing an SMS-based two-step-authentication process he filed with the US Patent Office in 1998 and was granted in 2000; with Dotcom claiming registrations also exist in twelve other countries.

“I never sued them. I believe in sharing knowledge & ideas for the good of society. But I might sue them now cause of what the US did to me.”

The BBC reports that he is not alone in these claims, however:

A New Jersey-based firm called Strikeforce is currently suing Microsoft over its use of two-factor authentication tech based on a patent it filed in 2004.

And another British company, SecurEnvoy, recently announced it had been granted patents for a “business grade” SMS-based two-factor authentication process.

However, let’s look beyond the arguments and focus on the security. Will you be turning on two-factor authentication for your Twitter account?

[Via Technically Motivated]

Wow…    Let us know what you think in the comments below!

A leaked product page and confirmation from Maxis has revealed SimCity’s next add-on will be the Amusement Park Pack.

A video from webshow Hypnotoad Productions outed the DLC after spotting screenshots of it on Green Man Gaming, an online downloadable game retailer.

“Some of you may have seen thrilling new SimCity content that arrived too early at the gate. It’s coming May 28th. We think you’ll be amused,” a post made earlier today on the SimCity Facebook page reads.

Check out the youtube video below for the leak info of what the Amusement Park Pack adds to SimCity?

Got a good ear for that right tone or a good bass line!? Then look no further, Sanitarium.FM needs your sound engineering skills and sound artists alike. We are looking for this role to be filled with people who want to make our upcoming Record Label sound the best possible and have chance to meet new bands from all over the world.

We need sound engineers and sound artist to help promote our schedule of DJ’s and upcoming Record label. You will assist the podcasts and the live streams from the offices and ensure that the sound quality of the radio station is optimum at all times.

Got the skills to create new edgy era?

Skills needed for the role:

• Some experience in sound engineering

• A general good sense of music direction and music collaboration

• An understanding of radio station music outlet systems

• A hard working ethos when working under pressure

Desirable skills needed for role:

• Previous experience and references in sound engineering

• Good communication skills to clients and colleagues

• Worked with bands and radio station formats previous to Sanitarium.FM

This is a volunteer based role to start, with opportunities for paid employment later on.

Click “Apply for this job” underneath this posting on our main Jobs page to apply for this role.

You can also email admin@sanitarium.fm for get more information about this role.

Have you got a creative eye?! If yes Sanitarium.FM has a job role for you!

We need graphic designers to create appealing website graphics to suit the topical field of the site!

You will be working along side the web designers to create a good looking fun environment for the websites community to enjoy whilst reading up on their favourite subjects.

Skills needed for role:

• Experience in graphic design in a website based environment.

• Access to the internet and graphic design resources.

• A keen interest in making websites aesthetically pleasing.

• Adaptability to the specific website

Skills which will help with the role:

• Potential experience in coding Php, HTML5, Flash and Java (or a few of these would be good)

• A basic knowledge of website design which will include your graphic designs

• A portfolio of your work. (We can help build one if you don’t have one)

• A keen initiative and good creative ability to work on your own.

This is a volunteer based role to start, with opportunities for paid employment later on.

Click “Apply for this job” underneath this posting on our main Jobs page to apply for this role.

You can also email admin@sanitarium.fm for get more information about this role.