Automate dark web intelligence lost more than $9 billion to hacking and related scams. Protect your accounts from hacking by using strong passwords, updating your backup email and phone number, enabling two-factor authentication for the most important accounts, backing up your devices, and avoiding unexpected messages or links.

Protect accounts from hacking in mind that it’s impossible to prevent all cyber attacks, even when you follow these tips. However, they will significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these threats.

Use Strong Passwords

Creating and regularly changing strong passwords can help defend against hackers. It is also recommended that you use different passwords for each of your online accounts, which can make it harder for hackers to access other accounts if one account is compromised. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers and special characters (!,?, &) to reduce the likelihood of your accounts being hacked.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Most major social media, email and financial websites now offer the option to enable multifactor authentication for your accounts. This provides an additional layer of security that requires a second form of verification to log in, such as a one-time code sent via text or an authenticator app. This can help keep your accounts secure even if your password is leaked in a data breach or broken by a talented hacker.

Many hackers send text messages or create pop-up ads that redirect you to lookalike websites in the hope that you’ll enter your passwords or payment details. Your web browser and apps like iCloud, Android and Apple Pay can help by warning you before you navigate to potentially dangerous or lookalike sites.