Account takeovers are still one of the most common online threats. The good news: in 2026, security is easier than it used to be—if you use the right tools.

The biggest shift is passkeys (phishing-resistant sign-ins) and stronger multi-factor authentication (MFA). Google explains that passkeys live on your devices and are harder to steal than passwords. Microsoft’s latest guidance also positions passkeys (FIDO2) as a major upgrade for secure sign-ins. CISA continues to recommend MFA as a key security control.

Below are 15 steps you can apply today.

1) Use passkeys wherever possible

If a service offers passkeys, enable them. They reduce phishing risk because you don’t type a password that can be stolen.

Start with your most important accounts: email, Apple/Google, banking, and social media.

2) Turn on MFA for every important account

MFA makes it much harder for attackers to log in even if they get your password.

3) Prefer phishing-resistant MFA (passkeys / security keys)

Not all MFA is equal. Phishing-resistant methods (like FIDO/WebAuthn) are stronger than SMS codes. CISA provides guidance on implementing phishing-resistant MFA.

4) Use a password manager (and stop reusing passwords)

A password manager helps you generate unique passwords for every site, so one leak doesn’t ruin everything.

5) Use long passphrases if you still rely on passwords

NIST recommends practical password advice and emphasizes that passwords are inherently risky—so make them harder to steal by using long, memorable passphrases.
Example idea: “BlueCoffee-Train-Window-2026!” (long > complex rules).

6) Lock down your email first

If someone controls your email, they can reset everything else.
Do these on your email account:

• Passkey or security key

• MFA

• Recovery email/phone updated

• Review forwarding rules and “trusted devices”

(Google’s account security pages cover passkeys/verification steps.)

7) Save recovery codes in a safe place

Most services provide backup codes. Store them securely (offline or in a password manager vault).

8) Remove old devices and unknown sessions

In your account settings, sign out of devices you don’t recognize and remove old phones/laptops you no longer use.

9) Watch for phishing signals

Most account takeovers start with a fake login page.
Rules that save you:

• Don’t login from links in messages

• Type the site URL yourself

• Check the domain carefully

(Phishing-resistant MFA helps even if you get tricked.)

10) Update your devices and browser

Security patches fix real vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for:

• OS (Windows/macOS/Android/iOS)

• Browser

• Password manager

11) Secure your phone number (SIM swap risk)

If a service still uses SMS codes:

• Add a carrier PIN

• Avoid SMS-based MFA when stronger options exist

(Again: phishing-resistant MFA is the goal.)

12) Use a separate “public email” for sign-ups

Keep a main email for banking/work, and another for newsletters and random services. This reduces attack surface.

13) Review app permissions and connected accounts

Disconnect “apps with access” you don’t use anymore (especially those linked to Google/Microsoft/social accounts).

14) Turn on login alerts

Enable notifications for:

• new login

• password change

• recovery change

15) Have an “account rescue” plan (30 minutes, once)

Make a simple checklist you can follow if you get hacked:

• reset email password

• revoke sessions

• rotate passwords

• contact support for key accounts

• freeze payment methods if needed

Conclusion

In 2026, the best security upgrade is simple: move from passwords to passkeys, and back it up with phishing-resistant MFA. Google and Microsoft both highlight passkeys as a safer sign-in approach, and CISA continues to push MFA as a core defense.

If you do just 3 things today:
(1) enable passkeys, (2) enable MFA everywhere, (3) secure your email first.

FAQs (EN)

Q1) Are passkeys safer than passwords?
Yes. Passkeys are device-based and designed to resist phishing better than passwords.

Q2) What is the best type of MFA?
Phishing-resistant MFA (passkeys/security keys/WebAuthn) is stronger than SMS-based codes.

Q3) Should I still use a password manager in 2026?
Yes—many sites still require passwords, and managers help you avoid reuse.