Oswaldo Royett

  Losing control of an online account to a digital intruder is a nightmare scenario. Multi-factor authentication (or MFA) is the best way to safeguard an account, because once MFA is enabled, an attacker won’t be able to access it—even if they have your username and password. A physical security key is the most secure MFA option, since it’s a dedicated authentication device and resistant to phishing. The Yubico Security Key C NFC is the best choice: It’s affordable and will work with just about every site that supports security keys. If you’re already familiar with security keys and need or want more-advanced features, the Yubico YubiKey 5C NFC is a pricier but worthwhile choice. Everything we recommend The Yubico Security Key C NFC is a well-made key that’s compatible with nearly all sites and services that support security keys. Its USB-C connector and NFC support work with most modern desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, so you can log in securely anywhere. Combined with Yubic...

  Privacy Please is an ongoing series exploring the ways privacy is violated in the modern world, and what can be done about it. Your phone number was never meant to be an all-access pass to your life. That 10-digit string has likely followed you around the world and across the internet for years. Over the course of that time, you've almost certainly handed it out — willingly or otherwise — to every person, restaurant, social media platform, or online store that's asked. That's a problem. For someone with the right motivation, that number is a thread which, once pulled, can unravel your entire digital life — crashing down your privacy, bank account, or even your very identity. But it doesn't have to be. There's a way to mitigate the very real risks that come with treating your phone number like both a public identifier and a key protecting all your secrets: getting and maintaining a second phone number. Thankfully, as long as you're diligent about it, the proce...