Protect the Keys, Not the House

When it comes to cybersecurity, do you become overwhelmed by the idea of protecting dozens of accounts? Online banking, shopping sites, streaming services, social media, and more. It can seem daunting.

Try thinking about protecting the keys, not the whole house.

Just a handful of accounts unlocks nearly everything else in your digital life. If criminals gain access to 1 of these “master keys,” they may be able to reset passwords, impersonate you, or access sensitive information.

The most important key is your email account. It’s where password reset links are sent, making it the gateway to many of your other accounts. Your mobile phone number is another key, since it’s often used to verify your identity. If you use a password manager, it deserves extra protection because it holds the credentials to many of your accounts. Finally, your financial accounts should always have the strongest safeguards available.

Start by creating a strong, unique password for each of these accounts and turning on multifactor authentication whenever it’s offered. Then make sure your phone and computer stay updated with the latest security patches.

You don’t have to secure every digital door at once. Protect the few keys that unlock everything else, and you’ve taken 1 of the biggest steps toward keeping your online life secure.