iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
CERT-In advises people to use strong, unique passwords for every online account and enable two-factor authentication wherever it is available. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another step to sign-in, making a password alone less likely to be enough for someone to access your account.
What CERT-In recommends for personal accounts
CERT-In’s advisory on preventing data breaches and data leaks gives two direct recommendations: “Use strong and unique passwords for all the online accounts” and “Enable two-factor authentication wherever available.” The advisory uses the term “two-factor authentication”; later CERT-In materials commonly use “multi-factor authentication” or MFA.
In practical terms, turn on the additional sign-in step separately for each account that offers it, and do not reuse a password between services. MFA adds a check beyond the password, such as a confirmation or other authentication method. It is worthwhile, but it does not guarantee that an account cannot be compromised.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
How to turn on MFA for an account
There is no single setup path that applies to every service. Use the provider’s own account-security instructions, since menu names and available methods differ.
#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.
- Sign in to the service and open its account settings or security settings.
- Find the option for two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, or an additional sign-in verification step.
- Follow the service’s enrollment prompts and choose a method it supports and that works with your devices.
- Complete the setup and follow the provider’s instructions for recovery or backup access, so you have a route back into the account if your usual method is unavailable.
If the service does not offer MFA, keep a strong, unique password for it and follow the provider’s security guidance. CERT-In’s individual-user advisory does not provide one universal enrollment guide for every provider.
Choosing an authentication method
The best available choice depends on what the account provider supports, how you use the account across devices, and how you can recover access. CERT-In’s 2026 Microsoft 365 advisory highlights FIDO2, Windows Hello for Business, and certificate-based methods as phishing-resistant options in its organizational context. That is not a consumer ranking, and it does not establish that every service supports those methods.
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
A FIDO2 security key is one possible physical option when a provider supports FIDO2. Check the provider’s compatibility and recovery instructions before relying on a particular method or device. CERT-In names the method, not a consumer product or model.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11What the guidance means for organizations
CERT-In’s recommendations for organizations go beyond an individual turning on MFA in personal account settings. Its August 7, 2026 advisory on emerging threats targeting Microsoft 365 calls for MFA across users, applications, and client types; removal of unnecessary exclusions; and phishing-resistant authentication. It also discusses conditional-access policies, device compliance, session controls, and review of privileged access.
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
Separate CERT-In guidance identifies priority areas for broader coverage:
- The 2025 controls for micro, small, and medium enterprises identify critical systems, administrative accounts, and remote-access tools as priorities for MFA.
- Guidance for government entities says cloud-service user accounts should have MFA alongside a strong password policy.
These are organization-specific controls, not extra setup requirements for every personal account holder. Administrators should apply them in the context of their systems, users, and access policies.
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.
Why MFA is not a guarantee
MFA raises the barrier to account access, but some attacks can get around it. CERT-In’s 2026 Microsoft 365 advisory describes device-code phishing, in which a user is tricked into authorizing an attacker-controlled device code, allowing the attacker to obtain OAuth tokens. It also describes theft and replay of session tokens, which can bypass MFA.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDo not approve an authentication request or enter a device code just because a prompt appears. If you did not initiate the sign-in, stop and check the account through the service’s official app or website. Organizations should also use the protections in CERT-In’s advisory, including phishing-resistant methods where supported, and monitor for suspicious authentication activity.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
