Start by securing your email and financial accounts: access to those accounts can expose sensitive information or help unlock other services. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA), use a long, random, unique password for each account, and keep the software you use to sign in updated. The exact setting names and available sign-in methods differ by provider, so look in your account or profile settings for a security or password-and-security section.
What security settings should I change on my accounts?
Work through these protections first on email, financial, and healthcare accounts, then apply them to other important accounts and any service that offers the relevant controls.
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- Turn on MFA. Look for “multifactor authentication,” “two-factor authentication,” or “two-step verification” in the account’s security settings. CISA advises turning it on for every account or app that offers it. CISA’s MFA setup guidance explains the general process.
- Choose the strongest supported sign-in method. Where available, prefer FIDO/WebAuthn, which CISA identifies as phishing-resistant. If the service does not support it, number matching is a stronger interim option than an ordinary mobile push approval. Any MFA is better than none, but support varies by service. See CISA’s guidance on MFA methods.
- Replace weak or reused passwords. CISA recommends passwords that are at least 16 characters long, random, and unique to each account. Do not reuse one password with small variations. A password manager can generate and remember distinct passwords for you. These are CISA recommendations, not a measured security threshold. Read CISA’s consumer tip sheet.
- Enable automatic software updates where practical. Update the phone, computer, browser, and other software you use to reach accounts. CISA includes software updates among its core online-safety actions because software flaws can put files or accounts at risk. Updates complement account protections; they do not replace them. CISA’s Secure Our World guidance says, “Don’t delay software updates.”
- Recognize and report phishing. Treat messages that create alarm, promise something implausibly attractive, request personal information, or urge you to download a file with caution. Do not follow suspicious links or approve an unexpected sign-in prompt; use the service’s official app or website to check your account, and report the message through the available channel. Phishing can be used to trick you into handing over credentials or approving access. CISA’s Secure Our World guidance includes recognizing and reporting phishing.
How to turn on MFA
There is no single menu path that works across every provider. Sign in through the service’s official app or website, open account or profile settings, and look for a security, sign-in, or password-and-security section. Choose the option labeled MFA, two-factor authentication, or two-step verification, then follow that service’s prompts to select an available method. CISA’s MFA setup guidance describes this general approach.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →When comparing methods, consider whether the account supports a phishing-resistant option, whether the authenticator is convenient on the devices you use, and what would happen if you lost access to it. CISA identifies FIDO/WebAuthn as phishing-resistant and recommends planning toward it where available; it also discusses number matching as an interim choice when FIDO/WebAuthn is unavailable. Provider-specific recovery steps are not universal, so check the service’s own instructions before relying on a particular method.
#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.
When a security key makes sense
A physical FIDO/WebAuthn security key can be an option for an important account that supports security keys. Confirm compatibility with each service you intend to protect before buying one; a particular key should not be assumed to work with every account. CISA names a physical key such as YubiKey as an MFA option, but availability depends on the service.
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
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