(Getty Images/Spencer Platt)

United Airlines updated its security system for customers' United MileagePlus accounts, and people are not happy.

In an email to customers, United said it will adopt two-factor authentication, which is used to make accounts more secure. It typically involves entering a username and password, followed by an extra step like entering a pin or scanning your fingerprint.

But customers are rightly pointing out that United's new system really doesn't count as two-factor authentication.

"If you contact United by phone, you'll be asked for your password when using the automated system or for your security answers when you speak to a United representative," United wrote in the email. "Your security questions will also be used as part of upcoming two-factor authentication to further protect your account — you'll be asked to answer your security questions the first time you sign in from a device that we don't recognize."

But customers are pointing out that not only does United's new system not qualify as two-factor authentication, but it's unsafe to provide a password over the phone.

United did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

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