To stay safer online, use a different, strong password for every account, turn on multifactor authentication (MFA), install software updates, and pause to verify unexpected messages before acting. These habits reduce common risks across accounts, devices, and networks. They cannot prevent every scam, but they make it harder for attackers to take over accounts or trick you into installing malware.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and MFA
Use a different password for every account
A password reused across services creates a chain reaction: if one service exposes it, someone may try it on your email, banking, shopping, or social accounts. Choose long, random, unique passwords. A password manager can generate and store them so you do not have to memorize each one. CISA recommends this approach in its October 2025 Secure Our World poster.
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Turn on multifactor authentication
MFA adds a second proof of identity beyond a password. As CISA explains in its “Turn On MFA” guidance, “MFA provides us with extra security by confirming our identities when logging in to our accounts, like entering a code texted to a phone or one generated by an authenticator app.” Enable it first on email, financial, social, and other important accounts, then on other services that offer it. The exact choices vary by service and device, so check each account’s security settings.
CISA’s business guidance describes differences among common MFA methods. In that context, physical security keys offer the strongest phishing resistance among the methods it lists; authenticator apps offer more protection than text or email codes. Biometrics are usually tied to a particular device and are best used alongside another method. See CISA’s comparison of MFA methods. Choose the strongest option your account and device support; a security key is optional, not a prerequisite for using MFA.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Recognize suspicious messages and prompts
Phishing attempts may impersonate a familiar company or person to steal passwords, account numbers, or other sensitive information. They may also pressure you to open an attachment, install software, or act quickly. Treat unexpected requests with caution, even when they look convincing.
- Do not follow unexpected links, open unexpected attachments, or provide sensitive information in response to a message.
- Verify urgent requests using a separate trusted route, such as a phone number or website you already know, rather than contact details in the message.
- Report suspicious messages. The FTC advises forwarding phishing texts to SPAM (7726). Its phishing guidance covers additional ways to recognize and avoid these scams.
Know what a real CAPTCHA does
A CAPTCHA may ask you to identify images or read and enter text. It should not ask you to open a system tool, paste a command, or run code. The FTC’s June 2026 alert describes fake CAPTCHA pages that may tell visitors to press Windows + R and paste a command—actions that can install malware. If a page gives instructions to run commands on your device, close it instead of following them. Read the FTC’s alert on spotting CAPTCHA scams.
Rank #2
- 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.
Keep devices and software updated
Install updates for your operating system, browser, apps, and security software. Updates often include critical patches and protections against security threats, according to the FTC’s advice on protecting personal information from hackers and scammers. Turn on automatic updates where available, and restart devices when needed to finish installing them. CISA also includes software updates among its four everyday actions in Secure Our World.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsUse public Wi-Fi thoughtfully
Public Wi-Fi is usually safe to use because encryption is now widespread, the FTC says in its public Wi-Fi guidance. When entering information on a website, check for HTTPS or a lock symbol in the browser. That indicates the connection to the site is encrypted; it does not prove the site itself is legitimate. Scammers can operate encrypted fake websites, so still verify the address and be cautious with unexpected links. Keep your usual password and MFA protections in place.
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
If you followed a fake CAPTCHA command
Act promptly if you ran a command after a webpage instructed you to do so. The FTC recommends these steps for the fake-CAPTCHA scenario:
- Disconnect the affected device from the internet.
- Run a security scan on the device.
- Using a different device, change passwords for accounts that may have been exposed and enable two-factor authentication.
- Report the suspected scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
These steps can reduce further exposure, but they cannot guarantee that an account or device has been fully recovered. For broader guidance on protecting personal information, see the FTC’s consumer recommendations.
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.
A simple routine to maintain
- Use a password manager to keep each account’s password long, random, and unique.
- Enable MFA on important accounts and use the strongest supported method.
- Install updates promptly and enable automatic updates where possible.
- Pause before acting on unexpected messages; verify requests independently and report suspicious texts.
- On public Wi-Fi, check for HTTPS when entering information and remember that encryption does not establish a website’s trustworthiness.
This is general consumer guidance from U.S. agencies, not an individualized security assessment. Service features and device compatibility vary, so check the current settings for your accounts and devices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T110. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T110 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-A port : Insert the T110 security key into the USB-A port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
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