It’s been a big week in the twitter-verse as the micro-blogger, now transmitting close to 400 million messages a day, has made three decisive moves forward.

First, Twitter announced the implementation of a two-factor authentication technology to boost security for its users after recent hacker attacks on the Financial Times, The Onion and the Associated Press accounts. The lack of added security reached a crescendo of criticism in April when a fake tweet about a non-existent White House explosion, sent from the AP account, caused havoc in US financial markets.

The two-factor authentication feature, which is voluntary for users, sends a second, one-time log-in code via text message, making it harder for hackers to break-in to an account with just a main password. Both Jeep and Burger King have been victims as well. Criticized for not putting such measures into place earlier, a Twitter rep said the rollout was delayed due to required updates to its SMS architecture. Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Apple offer it already.Continue reading...

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All is a-twitter at the micro blogger as hacks continue to occur of high-profile accounts. In April, hackers broke into and tweeted from the accounts of CBS, NPR, and the Associated Press, posting messages that the US government was “in bed”  with terrorists, and that there had been a (fake) explosion at the White House.

“That one bogus AP tweet caused the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop 1 percent almost immediately, highlighting just how much people trust Twitter as a breaking news resource," VentureBeat points out.

A group called the Syrian Electronic Army took credit for the hacks, but the potential for other copycats is so great, Twitter is urging companies not to share passwords in emails or over the Internet and to limit the number of people with access to the their Twitter account. The company is even advising publishers to designate one computer exclusively for tweeting. Additionally, publications are advised to use two-factor authentication on email addresses, use strong passwords and store passwords on LastPass or 1Password.Continue reading...

Charlie Ergen's Dish Network offers to buy Sprint for $25.5 billion in a bid to one up SoftBank.

ConAgra, Heinz and Nestle lead frozen food battle to reverse negative image.

Nike seeks to regain its edge with fewer ads following Tiger Woods stumble.

Dannon uses Greek-style to leapfrog Yoplait to top of U.S. yogurt business.

Apple clearly enters post-Jobs era.

Justin Bieber sparks controversy with Anne Frank comment.

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Coca-Cola appoints SVP of integrated marketing Wendy Clark (right) to new role as SVP of its newly created a Global Sparkling Brand Center, combining its global brand and integrated marketing teams under her leadership.

AccuWeather named Jim Candor as chief strategy officer, Steven Smith as chief digital officer, and John Dokes as chief marketing officer.

Conde Nast promoted CMO Louis Cona to president and chief revenue officer of the media group. 

Crocs hired Andy Sackmann as CMO.

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Pope Benedict XVI plans to resign due to poor health in move that hasn't been seen for centuries.

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ABC sells out ads for Oscars.

AOL is constantly innovating but toward what end remains unclear.

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Japan's Softbank acquires 70 percent of Sprint for $20 billion.

Santander walks away from $2.7 billion RBS deal.

Microsoft makes new push into music via Xbox.

Red Bull basks in post-skydive glory.

ABA sues New York City over soda ban.

Advent offers to buy beauty retailer Douglas.

Allstate scores points with peers with "Mayhem" campaign.

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Google homepage logo pays tribute to the opening of the XXX Olympic Games in London.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos pledges $2.5 million in support of gay marriage as Chick-Fil-A deals with firestorm created by CEO’s gay-marriage stance.

Barclays reveals new interest-rate probe and more U.S. lawsuits.

Airbus delays A350 over production problems.

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