X Urges Security Key Users to Update Details Before Twitter.com Retirement

X (formerly Twitter) is requiring all users who employ security keys for two-factor authentication to re-enroll their keys by November 10th, or risk being locked out of their accounts as the platform prepares to retire the twitter.com domain.

The mandatory security update affects thousands of users who utilize physical security keys as their chosen authentication method. This change comes amid X's transition away from the Twitter brand, with the company formally retiring the twitter.com domain in favor of x.com.

What users need to know about the security update

Users who rely on security keys (like Yubikeys) for multi-factor authentication for enhanced account protection on X must take action before the November 10th deadline. According to the platform, affected users will receive automatic prompts to re-enroll their security keys, but proactive checking is strongly recommended to avoid disruption.

"By November 10, we're asking all accounts that use a security key as their two-factor authentication (2FA) method to re-enroll their key to continue accessing X," the company explained in its announcement. "You can re-enroll your existing security key, or enroll a new one."

The consequences for ignoring these prompts could be significant. After the deadline, accounts without updated security key information will be locked until users either re-enroll their key, choose a different 2FA method, or opt out of two-factor authentication entirely. X emphasized that despite offering the opt-out option, they "always recommend you use 2FA to protect your account."

This update specifically targets security key users and doesn't affect accounts using other two-factor authentication methods. However, many users may have switched to security keys in 2023 when X removed SMS authentication as a free option for non-Premium subscribers.

Security experts recommend maintaining strong authentication methods regardless of platform changes, as physical security keys provide significantly stronger protection against phishing attacks compared to traditional password methods. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to advocate for widespread adoption of strong authentication methods across digital platforms.

The broader implications of twitter.com retirement

The security key re-enrollment is part of X's larger strategy to move away from its Twitter origins. Re-enrolling security keys will associate them with "x.com" rather than "twitter.com," which is necessary as the company retires the original domain name.

This domain transition will likely cause various technical issues across the internet, affecting websites, apps, and links that reference Twitter's old domain. For businesses and brands with established Twitter presences, ensuring continued access to accounts should be a priority.

The timing of this announcement has raised eyebrows among some users, who recall X owner Elon Musk's previous interest in reclaiming valuable usernames. While X clarifies they "won't be taking your @handle away," the lock-out mechanism effectively puts accounts at risk if users don't comply with the update requirements.

For organizations heavily invested in the platform, this transition represents another significant shift in X's evolving platform strategy and business model, requiring additional resources to maintain their digital presence.

How to protect your X account

For users concerned about maintaining access to their accounts, X has provided a direct link where they can re-enroll or add another security key: https://x.com/settings/account/login_verification.

This update serves as a reminder for all social media users to regularly check their security settings across platforms, particularly during major brand transitions or technical updates.

Additional security recommendations

• Backup authentication methods: Consider adding multiple two-factor authentication methods for critical accounts to prevent lockouts
• Account recovery options: Verify your email and phone number are current in your account settings
• Data backups: Export your data from X periodically to preserve important content
• Password updates: Use this security change as an opportunity to update and strengthen your password

The security key requirement reflects X's continuing evolution under Musk's ownership, as the platform balances security needs with its rebranding efforts and cost-cutting initiatives that began with the removal of free SMS authentication last year.

How to use this information

1. Check your X account's security settings immediately to determine if you're using a security key for authentication.

2. If affected, re-enroll your security key before November 10th to prevent being locked out of your account.

3. Consider downloading an archive of your X data as a precaution before major platform changes take effect.