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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor World Password Day on May 7, 2026—the year’s first Thursday in May—the practical advice is to use passkeys or phishing-resistant multifactor authentication where available, and a password manager with unique, long passwords for accounts that still require passwords. No password can stop you from entering it on a convincing fake site, so stronger sign-in methods matter as much as password quality.
What should you do first to secure your accounts?
- Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) for important accounts that offer it. MFA requires two or more ways to verify your identity, making a stolen password less useful to an attacker. CISA advises that any MFA is better than none and recommends choosing a phishing-resistant option when possible. CISA: Use Strong Passwords.
- Choose a passkey or FIDO/WebAuthn sign-in when the service and your devices support it. CISA says FIDO authentication can block attempts to use credentials on fake websites; its guidance identifies FIDO/WebAuthn as the only widely available phishing-resistant authentication option. Check support and recovery methods for each account before relying on a particular device or key.
- Use a password manager for accounts that still need passwords. It can generate and store a different password for each account, reducing the damage if one service is breached. NIST recommends password managers and says the manager itself should support MFA. NIST: Passwords.
- Replace weak or reused passwords on important accounts, starting with your email, financial accounts, and the password-manager account. Use the service’s official website or app to change them, and enable MFA there too.
How do you create a good password?
For accounts that still require one
Make it long and unique. NIST recommends at least 15 characters for a password you create and says length is the most important property. A password manager can generate one that you do not need to memorize. NIST no longer recommends requiring a mix of special characters and numbers as a general rule; complexity rules can make passwords harder to remember without making them reliably safer.
NIST’s guidance illustrates the risk of offline password cracking: an attacker with a modern PC may be able to attempt 100 billion guesses per second against an encrypted password database. That is an illustration, not a universal rate; actual speed depends on the password-storage method, hardware, and attack conditions. Separately, NIST attributes more than 3,000 data breaches in 2024 to the Identity Theft Resource Center, potentially exposing hundreds of millions of online accounts. These risks make unique passwords important: a password exposed at one service should not unlock another.
For accounts that support passkeys
Consider a passkey instead of creating another password. Passkeys use public-key cryptography and are designed to resist phishing: the sign-in is tied to the legitimate service rather than a password that can be typed into a lookalike site. Availability and setup vary by account and device, so check the service’s sign-in settings and recovery options.
#1 Best Overall
- ✅ 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.
- ✅ UNIVERSALLY SUPPORTED – Works with all websites including Twitter, Facebook, GitHub, and Google. Onlykey supports multiple methods of two-factor authentication including FIDO2 / U2F, Yubico OTP, TOTP, Challenge-response.
- ✅ PORTABLE PROTECTION – Extremely durable, waterproof, and tamper resistant design allows you to take your OnlyKey with you everywhere.
- ✅ PIN PROTECTED – The PIN used to unlock OnlyKey is entered directly on it. This means that if this device is stolen, data remains secure, after 10 failed attempts to unlock all data is securely erased.
- ✅ EASY LOG IN –No need to remember multiple passwords because by plugging OnlyKey to your computer, it automatically inputs your username and password. It works with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or Chromebook, just press a button to login securely!
Are your passwords safe to use?
There is no way to tell from appearance alone whether a password has been exposed or reused in a breach. A strong, unique password helps against guessing and limits the impact of a breach, but a password by itself cannot stop phishing. If an attacker tricks you into entering it on a fake website, length does not protect it.
Ryan Galluzzo, who leads NIST’s Digital Identity Program, said: “The worst password I can think of is ‘password’ or ‘12345,’” NIST’s password guidance also recommends MFA and password managers rather than relying on passwords alone.
Rank #2
- 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
What should you do if a password is insecure?
- Change it on the affected service. Open the service directly through its official app or by typing its known address; do not follow a password-reset link in an unexpected message.
- Replace any reused copies. Change the same password anywhere else you used it, giving every account a unique one. Prioritize email and financial accounts because access to them can help attackers reach other services.
- Enable MFA or switch to a passkey. Prefer FIDO/WebAuthn where offered. CISA’s archived “More than a Password” article describes hardware-based tokens such as FIDO or PKI as offering the greatest resistance to exploitation in its organizational guidance, with app-based tokens also a good option. It treats SMS as a last resort for organizational MFA; that does not mean SMS is useless, and CISA’s broader advice is that any MFA is better than none. CISA: More than a Password.
- Secure the password manager itself. Use a strong, unique master password and enable MFA if the manager supports it. Review its recovery options so you can regain access without falling back to password reuse.
Which sign-in option should you choose?
| Option | Protection against fake-site phishing | Availability and recovery considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Passkey or FIDO/WebAuthn security key | Strong: CISA says FIDO authentication blocks attempts to use credentials on fake websites. | Support depends on the service and devices. Confirm account compatibility and recovery options before depending on a key or device. |
| Authenticator app or push approval | MFA adds a second verification method; the cited guidance does not establish the same phishing resistance as FIDO/WebAuthn. | Availability and recovery depend on the service and device. NIST lists authenticator apps and push notifications among MFA methods. |
| Text-message code (SMS) | Provides an additional factor, but CISA’s archived organizational guidance calls SMS a last resort rather than a phishing-resistant choice. | Depends on access to the phone number and the service’s recovery process; the cited sources do not quantify recovery risk. |
These are not interchangeable in every situation. CISA’s recommendations about hardware tokens, app tokens, and SMS are framed in organizational guidance; the sources do not give a universal ranking for device compatibility, cost, or account-recovery risk. For a physical security key, confirm that both the account and your devices support it before purchasing or relying on one.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are passwords going extinct?
Not yet. Passkeys and other alternatives can reduce reliance on passwords, but adoption depends on the technology a service and its users have available. Galluzzo told NIST: “It’s going to be a long road to completely kill the password,” adding, “There are lots of great alternatives out there, but you’re always going to be constrained by what technology people have available.” For now, use passkeys where they fit and protect password-required accounts with unique credentials and MFA.
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Rank #3
- 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.
- 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.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-C, USB-A, & NFC): Designed for PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android. For mobile use, simply unfold the key, align it with your phone’s NFC antenna, and hold for a few seconds to authenticate.
- Enhanced MFA (FIDO2 & TOTP/HOTP): Strengthen your security with flexible options. Use the Manager App to access TOTP/HOTP features for accounts that do not yet support FIDO2.
- 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. NFC is supported only through mobile authentication, Not MacOS/windows.
World Password Day is an annual awareness effort held on the first Thursday of May, not on a fixed calendar date. In 2026 it fell on May 7. CISA’s Secure Our World campaign promotes safer online practices, including strong passwords and MFA.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- USB-C or tap via NFC for easy authentication on any compatible device. No drivers needed; optional Kensington software available for advanced management features.
- Works across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS, and supports Passkeys and Apple ID.
- Slim, keychain-ready form for easy carry and on-the-go authentication
- IP68-rated for dependable performance
- FIDO CTAP 2.1 for enhanced security features (e.g. resident credentials, Passkey support) and backwards compatibility with CTAP 2. FIDO2 L2 certified security for phishing resistant protection against identity theft and unauthorized access.
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