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If a breach notice says your password may have been exposed, change it promptly—starting with your email account—and change it anywhere else you reused it. Then sign out other devices, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and check that no one has altered your recovery details or email settings. If you can’t sign in, use the provider’s official recovery process first.
What to do first after a data leak
Act on the account named in the notice, but prioritize your email account if it uses the exposed password. Email often receives password-reset links for other services, so access to that inbox can help someone take over additional accounts.
- Change the exposed password. Sign in using the service’s official website or app and replace the password promptly. The FTC recommends aiming for at least 12 characters; a passphrase made from random words can be easier to remember. That length is a recommendation, not a guarantee of security. See the FTC’s password guidance.
- Change reused or similar passwords elsewhere. Update every other account where you used the same password or a similar one. Attackers may try leaked credentials on other services, so give each account a distinct password. A password manager can help create and remember unique passwords; the FTC discusses this option in its password guidance.
- Sign out other devices. Look in the service’s security or account settings for a control such as “Sign out of all devices” or a session-management page. The FTC says this kicks out anyone logged in on another device. Providers differ, however, and signing out devices does not necessarily mean every app connection or access token has been revoked.
- Turn on MFA. Start with email, financial, payment, social-media, and tax-filing accounts. MFA requires a second factor in addition to a password, making a stolen password alone less useful to an attacker.
- Review recovery and account settings. Confirm that recovery email addresses and phone numbers are yours and that you can access them. In email, check for forwarding rules you didn’t create. Review sent and deleted messages, unfamiliar contacts, and recent social posts or messages for signs of misuse.
The FTC’s hacked email and social-account recovery guidance covers signing out other devices, reviewing recovery details and forwarding rules, and checking account activity.
Which MFA method should you choose?
Use the strongest method the service supports and that you can reliably access. Not every account offers every option, and it is important to plan how you will recover access if you lose a phone or key.
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#1 Best Overall
Yubico - YubiKey 5C NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
- 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
| Method | What to know |
|---|---|
| Security key | The FTC describes physical security keys as the strongest option among the methods it compares. They require possession of the key and support from the service. Check compatibility before relying on or buying one. |
| Authenticator app | Safer than SMS or email codes against SIM-swap and email-compromise risks, according to the FTC. You need access to the device running the app, so consider the service’s recovery options if that device is lost. |
| Text message or email code | Less resistant to some takeover methods: text codes can be exposed in a SIM-swap attack, while email codes depend on the security of your inbox. If these are the only second-factor choices available, the FTC says using one is better than having no second factor. |
These comparisons come from the FTC’s two-factor authentication guidance. A security key is an optional physical device, not a requirement; verify that your account supports it before choosing one.
If you’re locked out of the account
Use the account provider’s official recovery instructions. Recovery steps and menus vary, so don’t rely on a universal set of settings or links. Navigate to the service’s official site or app rather than following unexpected recovery messages.
Rank #2
Yubico - Security Key C NFC - Basic Compatibility - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified
- 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.
- Complete the provider’s recovery process to regain control.
- Once you can sign in, change the exposed password and any reused or similar passwords on other accounts.
- Sign out other devices, enable MFA, and check recovery details and email forwarding rules.
- Update your computer’s security software and scan for suspicious software, as the FTC advises when recovering a hacked account.
When to warn contacts or take identity-theft steps
If someone may have used your account to contact others, warn affected contacts not to click suspicious links or respond to urgent requests for money sent from it. Check the breach notice to see what information was exposed. If it involved personal identity information, use the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov resources to identify appropriate next steps.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Best Value
Sale
Thetis Nano-A FIDO2 Security Key Hardware Passkey Device with USB Type A, TOTP/HOTP, FIDO2.0 Two Factor Authentication 2FA MFA, Works with Windows/mac/iOS/Android/Linux/Gmail/Facebook/GitHub/Coinbase
- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
Rank #4
Thetis FIDO2 Security Key (USB-A, 2-Pack) - Hardware MFA & Passkey Access for Business, School ERP & Employee Accounts | Compatible with Windows, Google Workspace, Apple ID, Coinbase, Salesforce
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Rank #3
Yubico - YubiKey 5 NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
- 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
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.
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