If you've ever worried about being locked out of your accounts or having a hacker impersonate you, you're not alone. The fear is real, but the defense is clear.
Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, outlines a tiered security strategy.
Good: Establish a strong password baseline. Use a unique password for every account.
Better: Enable multifactor authentication. This requires a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone. Never share that code.
Best: Upgrade to passkeys. This is the highest level of security. Passkeys replace passwords with biometric verification, such as your phone's Face ID or fingerprint.
Velasquez also recommends regular audits of linked third-party apps, adopting a skeptical mindset for all social media requests, and keeping your software updated. The FBI advises against logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. For security questions, use fake but memorable answers instead of real information.