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If a data leak exposed your password, change it promptly, sign out other active sessions, and turn on multifactor authentication (MFA). Start with your email account, since access to its password-reset messages can help someone take over your other accounts. If you can’t sign in, use the service’s official account-recovery process; providers’ menus and recovery steps differ.
What to do first if you can still sign in
Work through the exposed account and your email first, then address any other accounts where you reused the same or a similar password. A service’s breach notice may identify which information was exposed; use it to decide whether additional steps are needed.
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- Change the exposed password. Use a new password that you have not used on another account. The FTC recommends aiming for at least 12 characters and notes that a passphrase made from random words can be easier to remember. That length is guidance, not a guarantee of security. A password manager can help create and remember distinct passwords.
- Change reused passwords everywhere they were used. Attackers may try exposed credentials on other services. Change the password on each account where you used the exposed password or a similar one; don’t simply change it on the account named in the notice.
- Sign out other devices and sessions. Look in the service’s current security settings for an option such as “sign out of all devices” or session management. The FTC says this kicks out anyone logged in on another device. Provider controls differ, and signing out may not revoke every app authorization or token, so review any connected apps or devices the service lists.
- Turn on MFA. Enable it on the affected account, especially if it is email, financial, social, tax-filing, or payment-related. Choose an authenticator app or security key when the service offers one and you can use it. If only a code by text or email is available, enabling that second factor is better than having none.
- Check recovery details and signs of misuse. Confirm that the recovery email address and phone number are yours and accessible. In email, look for forwarding rules you did not create and remove them. Review sent and deleted messages, social posts, messages, and unfamiliar contacts for activity you don’t recognize.
Which MFA method should you use?
MFA adds a second check when you sign in. Not every service offers every method, so choose from the options available for that account and plan how you would recover access if you lost a phone or key.
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| Method | What to know | Practical choice |
|---|---|---|
| Code by text (SMS) or email | Common, but a text code can be exposed in a SIM-swap attack; email codes depend on the security of your inbox. | Use it if it is the only method the service supports; it is better than no second factor. |
| Authenticator app | FTC guidance describes this as safer against SIM-swap or email-compromise risks than codes sent by text or email. | Prefer it over SMS or email codes when the service supports it and you can access the app. |
| Physical security key | FTC calls security keys the strongest method among the two-factor options it discusses. They require possession of a compatible key. | Consider one for important accounts that support it. Check compatibility and recovery options before relying on a key. |
For accounts that support physical keys, the FTC describes them as physical second-factor devices. A key is optional; check that it works with your account and devices before buying one.
#1 Best Overall
Yubico - YubiKey 5C NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
- 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
If you’re locked out of the account
Go directly to the service’s official account-recovery instructions. Recovery flows are provider-specific, so don’t rely on generic menu paths or links in unexpected messages. Once you regain control, change the exposed and reused passwords, sign out other sessions, enable MFA, and check recovery details and forwarding rules.
The FTC also advises people recovering a hacked account to make sure their computer security software is up to date and scan for suspicious software.
Rank #2
Yubico - Security Key C NFC - Basic Compatibility - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified
- 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.
When to alert contacts or take identity-theft steps
If someone may be using your account to message others, warn your contacts not to click suspicious links or respond to urgent requests for money sent from it. Check the breach notice for the types of information exposed. If it includes personal identity information, use the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov resources.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
Thetis Nano-A FIDO2 Security Key Hardware Passkey Device with USB Type A, TOTP/HOTP, FIDO2.0 Two Factor Authentication 2FA MFA, Works with Windows/mac/iOS/Android/Linux/Gmail/Facebook/GitHub/Coinbase
- 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.
Rank #4
Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (USB-A, 2-Pack) - Hardware MFA & Passkey Access for Business, School ERP & Employee Accounts | Compatible with Windows, Google Workspace, Apple ID, Coinbase, Salesforce
- 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.
Rank #3
Yubico - YubiKey 5 NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
- 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
Sources
- FTC: How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account (August 2023)
- FTC: Use Two-Factor Authentication To Protect Your Accounts (September 2022)
- FTC: Creating Strong Passwords and Other Ways To Protect Your Accounts (November 2024)
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