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If a password may have been exposed, change it promptly—and change it anywhere you reused it or a similar version. Secure the email account used for password resets, then check for unauthorized access. If you suspect someone has taken over an account, recover it through the provider’s official process, review its settings and activity, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). If financial or government identity information may have been misused, contact the affected institution and use IdentityTheft.gov for reporting and recovery guidance.
First, work out whether a password was exposed or an account was taken over
A notice that a password appeared in a breach does not by itself prove that someone signed in to your account. Treat the password as exposed and replace it, including on other sites where you used the same or a similar password. Signs of a possible takeover include being locked out, unfamiliar sign-ins or password changes, altered recovery details, or messages sent without your permission. The FTC lists these as warning signs of account hijacking in its guidance on hacked email and social accounts.
Use the affected service’s official app or type its known address into your browser. Do not follow a sign-in or recovery link in an unexpected email or text; a breach alert can itself be imitated by scammers.
Secure the email account used for password resets
Prioritize the inbox tied to account recovery. An attacker who controls that mailbox may be able to receive password-reset messages for other services. If its password was exposed, change it to a unique one. Review recent activity and signed-in devices, confirm that the recovery email address and phone number are yours, and enable MFA. The FTC’s account-hijacking guidance and Google’s account security guidance both recommend reviewing account access and recovery information.
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- ✅ PROTECT ONLINE ACCOUNTS – A password manager, two-factor security key, and secure communication token in one, OnlyKey can keep your accounts safe even if your computer or a website is compromised. OnlyKey is open source, verified, and trustworthy.
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Replace exposed and reused passwords
Change the password on the affected account, then change it on every other service where you reused it or a close variation. Give each account a distinct password: changing only a number or punctuation mark in a reused password may leave other accounts vulnerable if the pattern is predictable.
A password manager can generate and store unique passwords; browser-based password storage is another option described by the FTC. Password managers solve the problem of creating and keeping distinct credentials. MFA adds another sign-in check, so the two serve different purposes.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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Password-length guidance varies by organization. In an October 2024 consumer alert, the FTC said, “Aim for 12 to 15 characters,” and suggested a passphrase as an alternative. CISA’s 2024 Secure Our World tip sheet recommends passwords that are “16 characters long, random and unique for each account.” Treat these as each organization’s recommendations, not a single universal cutoff. See the FTC’s October 2024 alert and CISA’s password tip sheet.
If you are locked out, recover the account and inspect its settings
Use the provider’s official recovery process rather than a third-party recovery service or a link from an unsolicited message. After you regain access, work through these checks:
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- Requires 3 "AAA" batteries (included)
- Unit auto-locks for 30 minutes after 5 consecutive incorrect PINs
- Change the account password and sign out other devices or sessions.
- Review recent security events and unfamiliar devices or sign-ins.
- Verify recovery phone numbers, email addresses, and other recovery methods.
- Check connected accounts and, where available, mail forwarding rules and automatic replies.
- If messages may have been sent from your account, tell affected contacts to disregard suspicious messages.
Google explains how to review recent security activity and devices. Microsoft’s compromised-account recovery guidance includes checking connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
Scan a device if malware may be involved
If suspicious activity suggests malware or device compromise—for example, unexpected account changes continue after you reset credentials—follow the provider’s device-security advice. Microsoft recommends making sure antivirus software is running and up to date, then running a full scan; Google also advises removing harmful software when it may be relevant. Those recommendations support a targeted scan when malware is suspected, not installing or buying a separate scanner after every password leak. Consult Microsoft’s recovery guidance and Google’s account security guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Turn on MFA and choose a method you can recover
Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication first on email, banking, credit-card, tax, social, and payment accounts. Use the strongest method the service supports and that you can reliably access. The FTC says security keys are the strongest method among the common options it discusses, and recommends an authenticator app or security key over text or email codes when available. Services differ in which methods they offer. Read the FTC’s two-factor authentication guidance.
When comparing options, consider phishing resistance, support on your accounts and devices, what happens if you lose a phone or key, and available recovery methods. A physical FIDO security key is an optional second factor, not a guarantee of compatibility with every service. Passkeys are another option where supported; Google says, “Passkeys can’t be shared, copied, written down, or accidentally given to someone else.” Learn about Google passkeys.
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- FIDO-ONLY FUNCTIONALITY: Supports FIDO2 (passkeys) and FIDO U2F protocols for passwordless and second-factor authentication. Does not support OTP, TOTP, Smart Card (PIV), or other advanced features - upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series for extended functionality
- SECURE AND CONVENIENT: Passwordless MFA login with the YubiKey Bio authenticator and biometric information using a fingerprint, with a PIN as a fallback. Simply plug in via USB and use your fingerprint to authenticate
- DEVICE & OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Works seamlessly with supported services like Google and Microsoft accounts, and major password managers. See the full compatibility list at "Works With YubiKey"
- DURABLE & RELIABLE: Resistant to tampering, water, and crushing. No batteries or network connectivity required, offering dependable authentication without any downtime. Securely manufactured in USA & Sweden
- Yubico Authenticator App - Fingerprint enrollment, passkey management and PIN configuration available via the app app - Upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series to generate one-time-passwords (OTP) via Yubico Authenticator and for advanced compatibility (OATH, PIV)
Keep recovery information current, and store backup codes securely if the service provides them. Before relying on a method, check that you can still access your accounts if your phone or security key is lost.
Respond to possible financial or identity theft
If bank credentials, payment details, tax information, a Social Security number, or government identity information may have been exposed or misused, contact the relevant bank or institution promptly. The right response depends on what information was involved and whether it has actually been misused. The FTC directs people whose personal information is being used to IdentityTheft.gov, which provides reporting resources and a personalized recovery plan. The FTC’s identity-theft guidance explains where to start.
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