1. Create a Strong Password Combination
This is your first line of defense against cyber threats. During sign-up, you will be required to fill in a password for your new account. A minimum of 6 characters is required, but that really is just that: the minimum.
You should create a strong password using a combination of alphanumeric and special characters. Most people prefer simpler passwords because they are easier to remember, but simple passwords are also easy for hackers to guess or crack.
And you’re all set.
2. Add a Smartphone Number
A code will be sent to your smartphone each time you attempt to sign into your account. But before you do that, you’ll need to actually input your phone number.
Now, you have to set up 2SV (sometimes called two-factor authentication, or 2FA).
3. Set Up Two-Step Verification (2SV)
Navigate to Account > Login & security. Scroll down to Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings and click on Edit. You could be asked to sign in again. Click on Get Started. To use a phone number as a 2SV authenticator, select Phone number. Fill in the phone number and click Continue. Enter the OTP code sent to your phone number, and click Continue. Click Got it. Turn on Two-Step Verification.
2SV codes will now be sent each time there’s a sign-in attempt. If you receive codes for sign-ins you did not initiate, it means someone is trying to access your account. It’s a good idea to change your password, just in case. We’ll come back to this anyway.
If you check the Don’t require OTP on this browser box, you will only require a password to sign in, provided the OTP suppression cookie is present in your browser. However, you’ll have to check this box in every browser you use.
Stay on the “Enroll a 2SV authenticator” page. Select Authenticator app. Open your preferred authenticator app on your phone. Scan the QR code on the 2SV page. Enter the OTP code displayed in your authenticator app. Click Verify OTP and continue. Click on Got it. Turn on Two-Step Verification.
You should now see a success message stating that “You’ve turned on Two-Step Verification”.
You can add a backup phone number or an additional authenticator app any time by revisiting the 2SV Settings page.
Download: Google Authenticator (Android | iOS); Microsoft Authenticator (Android | iOS)
1. Make Your Password Unique
If a data breach occurs and your password is leaked, you only have the breached site to worry about. However, if you use the same strong password across all your online accounts, one exposure will endanger all your online accounts at once.
2. Use a Password Manager
To create and remember strong, unique, and memorable passwords for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google, Slack, and all your favorite online services, you’ll need a good password manager. You can write them all out on paper, but you never who may see your diary!
Password managers help you to manage your passwords for all the online services you use such as Netflix, Shopify, MailChimp—you name it.
Once you store your passwords inside, your password manager’s master password becomes the last password you’ll ever have to remember.
If you suspect that your account may have been compromised, here’s how to secure your account.
Log into your account. Click Login & security. Scroll down to Secure Your Account and click Edit. You will be asked to update your email settings and sign out of all apps, devices, and browsers. Click Sign-out everything. You will be asked to confirm sign-out from everywhere else but your current browser. Click Continue. Tap Change password. Click Send OTP. Enter the OTP and click Continue. Enter a new password, and reenter to confirm. Click Save changes and Sign-In. Input your credentials. You’ll be taken to the Login & security page. Click Done to finalize changes.
Your account security is first and foremost your responsibility. Do not share your password with third parties, and do not stay logged in on public computers.
