Journalists can lower the risk of phishing and account takeover by matching protections to their exposure, using unique passwords and strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical accounts, and preparing recovery options before an incident. Treat unexpected messages as possible lures: go to services through a known route rather than signing in from a message link.
Start with the risk to your work and accounts
Not every journalist faces the same threat. Consider what information your accounts hold, the harm that exposure could cause, and whether your current work or assignment could make you a target. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) advises journalists to assess likely adversaries’ capabilities and to consider the people around them as potential targets too. Its guidance is available in CPJ’s Digital Safety Kit for Journalists.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prioritize accounts that could expose sensitive material or let someone reset access to other services. Email, cloud storage, and accounts used for password resets are especially important because access to one can help an intruder reach others.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow can I protect my accounts from phishing?
Use unique passwords and MFA on critical accounts
Use a long, unique password for each important account. Reusing a password means a compromise on one service may put other accounts at risk. A password manager can help you keep distinct passwords, but it does not by itself prevent phishing: a fake sign-in page can still trick you into entering credentials.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Turn on MFA wherever it is available, prioritizing email, cloud files, and account-recovery channels. MFA adds a step beyond the password, so a stolen password alone may not be enough for access. However, MFA methods do not provide equal protection. CISA’s October 2022 fact sheet on phishing-resistant MFA identifies phishing-resistant MFA as the strongest form.
Choose a phishing-resistant sign-in method where possible
Passkeys and FIDO security keys are stronger sign-in options when the service, device, and browser support them. CPJ advises journalists at high risk to consider security keys. A physical key is one option, but compatibility and a plan for a lost key matter; the sources cited here do not compare specific brands or establish universal compatibility.
Rank #2
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Other MFA methods can still be useful, but have different weaknesses. CISA warns that some methods can be vulnerable to phishing, push bombing, attacks involving SS7, or SIM swapping. A joint advisory from CISA, NSA, FBI, and MS-ISAC also describes risks in SMS or voice MFA and push approvals without number matching. See the joint advisory on phishing-resistant MFA. If you cannot use a phishing-resistant option, enable the strongest MFA method the service supports and follow its security guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteConsider Google Advanced Protection if you face elevated risk
Google recommends Advanced Protection for people at elevated risk of targeted attacks, including journalists. Its protections include passkeys or security keys, additional checks, and restrictions on access by some third-party apps. Google describes the program as free, but enrollment can add sign-in and recovery steps. Review Google’s current Advanced Protection Program information and FAQ before enrolling.
Rank #3
- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
Check that your devices, browsers, and apps will work with the program, and set up current recovery options first. Stronger protections can involve compatibility limits and extra steps if you lose access. The right choice depends on your risk and whether you can maintain a workable recovery plan.
Recognize tailored phishing attempts
Phishing aimed at journalists can arrive by email, SMS, social media, or chat. A message may be personalized, create urgency, ask for credentials, or try to persuade you to click a link or download a file. An apparently familiar sender or a plausible work-related pretext is not proof that a message is legitimate. CPJ’s journalist safety guidance discusses these risks.
Rank #4
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-C, USB-A, & NFC): Designed for PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android. For mobile use, simply unfold the key, align it with your phone’s NFC antenna, and hold for a few seconds to authenticate.
- Enhanced MFA (FIDO2 & TOTP/HOTP): Strengthen your security with flexible options. Use the Manager App to access TOTP/HOTP features for accounts that do not yet support FIDO2.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID. NFC is supported only through mobile authentication, Not MacOS/windows.
- Open the service using a bookmark, an app you already use, or an address you enter yourself instead of following an unexpected sign-in link.
- Check the domain in the address bar before entering credentials; a phishing site can imitate a legitimate service. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center explains how phishing websites mimic legitimate services.
- Treat unexpected attachments and downloads cautiously, even when a message appears connected to your work.
- Do not approve an unexpected MFA prompt. Repeated unsolicited prompts may be an attempt to pressure you into granting access.
Prepare account recovery before you need it
Keep recovery email addresses and phone numbers current, and store backup codes somewhere secure and separate from the account they protect. Before enrolling in a stricter security program or relying on a new sign-in method, confirm how you can regain access if you lose your device or key. Google’s Advanced Protection guidance recommends recovery options and notes that recovery may require additional steps.
Google News Initiative reports that at least half of more than 2,700 newsroom managers and journalists surveyed across 130 countries used no tools to protect their information online. The training page does not state when the survey took place, so this figure should not be read as a current prevalence estimate. See Google News Initiative’s digital security training.
Best Value
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- USB TYPE C Connectivity & DONGLE Design: Designed for PCs, Macs, laptops, iPhones, and Android devices that utilize a USB-C port. Plug and stay, or carry it on a keychain. (Item Size: 0.73 x 0.60 x 0.30 inches)
- Enhanced MFA (FIDO2 & TOTP/HOTP): Strengthen your security with flexible options. Use the Manager App to access TOTP/HOTP features for accounts that do not yet support FIDO2.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID. NFC functionality is not supported.
What to do if you suspect an account takeover
If a service shows a sign-in method you do not recognize, treat it as a possible compromise rather than dismissing the alert. For a Google account, Google’s instructions are to remove the unfamiliar sign-in method, change the password, and review security settings. Follow the steps in Google’s guidance for an unrecognized sign-in method.
Quick Recap
- Use a known route to sign in to the account, not a link in a suspicious message.
- Remove any sign-in method you do not recognize and change the account password to a new, unique one.
- Review security settings, recovery details, and other available account activity for changes you did not make.
- Check other accounts that reused the same password and change those passwords as well.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
