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Protect accounts from AI-assisted phishing by using a unique password for every account, enabling multifactor authentication (MFA), choosing passkeys or FIDO2 security keys where available, and verifying unexpected requests through a trusted channel. AI can make a fake message, call, or video more convincing, but the basic theft often still depends on getting you to enter a password or disclose a sign-in code.
How AI changes the threat—and what it does not
AI can help scammers create polished messages or imitate a familiar voice or face. The FBI warns that publicly shared audio, video, and photos can be reused to produce convincing fabricated content. But a realistic-looking message is not proof of identity, and AI does not make a fake login page safe to use.
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NIST describes a common credential-theft method: a scammer tricks someone into entering credentials on a lookalike site controlled by the attacker. A strong password cannot stop that disclosure. Reusing the same password creates a second risk: attackers may try stolen credentials on other services. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported more than 3,000 data breaches in 2024, potentially exposing hundreds of millions of online accounts, a figure NIST cites in its consumer password guidance. That number is about breaches and possible exposure, not breaches caused by AI.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →No statistic in the cited consumer guidance quantifies the share of credential theft caused specifically by AI. Focus on controls that protect sign-ins and on verifying requests independently, rather than trying to identify AI by its writing style or appearance.
#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.
Harden your accounts in this order
- Secure accounts that matter most first. Start with email, financial accounts, payment apps, and social media. An email account can be especially important because other services may use it for password resets. Then enable MFA on other accounts that support it.
- Turn on the strongest sign-in method each service offers. Prefer a passkey or FIDO2 security key when supported. If those are unavailable, use an authenticator app; if the service offers only SMS or email codes, use that MFA rather than leaving the account protected by a password alone.
- Replace reused passwords. Use a password manager to generate and store a different password for each account that still requires one. Choose a manager that supports MFA and protect its account carefully, since it holds access to many credentials.
- Review recovery and sign-in settings. Keep recovery contact details current. Review recent sign-ins and security alerts by opening the service’s official app or typing its known address yourself. Do not approve a sign-in prompt you did not initiate.
- Keep your devices and apps current. Install updates for your phone, computer, browser, and apps, and download software only from trusted sources.
Which authentication method should you choose?
| Method | Practical benefit | Limitation or consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Passkey | NIST says passkeys are unique for each login and cannot be easily stolen through phishing. | Availability, syncing, and recovery depend on the service and device implementation. |
| FIDO2 hardware security key | A physical, phishing-resistant option recommended by the FBI; the FTC describes security keys as a strong two-factor method. | Check that your account and devices support the key, plan how you will recover access if it is lost, and keep it secure. |
| Authenticator app | Unlike SMS, app codes are not vulnerable to SIM swapping in the same way. | A person can still be tricked into sharing a code or approving a request. Prefer a phishing-resistant option if available. |
| SMS or email code | Useful when this is the only MFA option offered; it is better than password-only access. | SMS may be exposed after a SIM swap. Email codes depend on the security of the email account receiving them. |
Some authenticator apps and sign-in systems offer number matching or display the domain requesting approval. The FBI advises using number matching and domain display where available, and warns against relying on push-only approvals. Never approve a prompt you did not initiate. No authentication method prevents every compromise: security also depends on the provider, its recovery controls, your device, and how you respond to prompts.
How to handle a suspicious message, call, or video
- Do not follow an unsolicited security link. Open the official app or type the service’s known web address instead, then check for an alert or account issue there.
- Verify urgent requests out of band. If someone claiming to be a family member, employer, bank, or service provider asks for credentials, money, a code, or urgent action, contact them using a number or method you already trust—not contact details supplied in the suspicious message.
- Keep one-time codes private. Never give a code to someone who contacted you unexpectedly. A request for a sign-in code can be an attempt to complete a login using your credentials.
- Do not treat voice, video, caller ID, polished writing, or familiarity as proof. The FBI says deepfakes can convincingly mimic real people. Check unusual claims through a trusted contact or official confirmation.
- Think carefully about public media. The FBI notes that publicly shared photos, audio, and video may be reused to create AI-generated content.
What to do if you entered a password on a fake site
- Go to the real service directly. Use its official app or type its known address; do not return through the suspicious link.
- Change the exposed password promptly. If you reused it elsewhere, change it on every other account where it was used, choosing a different password for each.
- Reset or enable MFA. Review account recovery details and recent sign-in activity, and sign out other sessions if the service offers that control.
- Contact affected financial or payment providers. Use a phone number or contact method you already know is legitimate.
- Use the provider’s official recovery process if you cannot sign in. Recovery options differ by service. For suspected online crime, the FBI directs consumers to report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or a local FBI field office.
Passwords are not the only valuable part of a login. NIST’s September 15, 2026 IR 8587 addresses protection of identity and access tokens in agency and cloud-provider systems; it is organizational guidance, not a household setup guide. It is a reminder that active sessions and tokens also matter beyond passwords, so sign out other sessions after suspected exposure when the service provides that option.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 is a versatile physical passkey that protects your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 via USB and tap it to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key 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 NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A 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.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Sources
- NIST, “How Do I Create a Good Password?”
- FTC, “Use Two-Factor Authentication To Protect Your Accounts”
- FBI, “Improve Cyber Resiliency”
- FBI, “Stay Safe Online: Simple Tips for Adults”
- NIST CSRC, IR 8587
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