5 Dec 2023

Temu, the most downloaded new shopping app in the world, introduced two-factor authentication (2FA) to enhance the security of its website and mobile apps, the latest measure taken by the Boston-based online marketplace to protect consumers and deter fraud.

Two-factor authentication

Temu joins other major e-commerce platforms and payment gateways to implement 2FA, which is increasingly viewed as a necessary component of robust cybersecurity.

It adds a layer of security beyond just a username and password. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorised users to gain access to a user's account, even if they have compromised the password.

Privacy and security

We are committed to implementing industry best practices to increase the safety of our platform and customers"

Temu considers privacy and security to be core functions of our platform. Earning and keeping the trust of our users is our top priority, so we hold ourselves to the highest privacy and security standards,” said a Temu spokesman, adding “We are committed to implementing industry best practices to increase the safety of our platform and customers.”

E-commerce platform

Temu was founded in Boston in September 2022 and is one of the youngest companies to join the programme. The e-commerce platform is known for offering ultralow prices for general merchandise by connecting consumers directly to manufacturers and cutting out middlemen markups and fees.

Since its debut in the U.S., Temu has expanded to more than 40 countries across the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Reducing fraud

By making unauthorised access more difficult, 2FA can significantly reduce instances of fraud. This protects users from financial losses, which is especially important given the rise of online fraud and data breaches.

The enhanced security protocol is just one of the many measures that Temu has taken to strengthen data security as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers.

2FA rollout and bug bounty programme

In November, Temu partnered with renowned cybersecurity agency HackerOne to offer a bug bounty programme, joining the likes of Amazon, Google, Tesla, and Meta in using the San Francisco-based cybersecurity platform to connect and reward ethical hackers for successfully discovering and reporting security vulnerabilities.

The 2FA rollout and bug bounty programme follows Temu’s lawsuits against scam websites that masquerade as Temu to cheat users. Temu has won injunctions against the phishing sites from the U.S. courts, a win in its legal action to hold malicious actors to account.