Online Security & Account Protection
Online security often starts with features already built into the accounts and devices you use, but additional tools and services can make passwords easier to manage, strengthen account protection, protect sensitive information, and help monitor for potential identity problems.
This page brings together practical products and services for password management, multifactor authentication, physical security, device protection, safer online activity, and identity protection. You do not need everything listed here. Start with the security features you already have, then add tools when they solve a specific problem.
Featured partner: Independence Answers has partnered with IdentityIQ to connect readers with identity- and credit-protection services through a dedicated offer. Learn more about our Identity IQ partnership →
Affiliate disclosure: Independence Answers may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Password Management
Password managers can make it easier to use different passwords across multiple accounts without having to remember every password yourself.
Useful options may include:
- Password manager service
- Password generator
- Family password-management plan
- Secure password notebook
- Locking storage for written passwords or recovery information
When comparing password managers, consider which devices and browsers you use, whether you need to share selected passwords with another person, available recovery options, and whether multifactor authentication is supported.
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor authentication adds another form of verification when signing in to an account.
Depending on the account and device, useful options may include:
- Authenticator app
- Built-in device authentication
- Physical security key
- Backup security key
- Secure storage for recovery codes
Many accounts already provide multifactor authentication at no additional cost. Check the options available through the service before purchasing anything.
Security Keys
Physical security keys provide an additional way to verify your identity when signing in to compatible accounts.
Common options include:
- USB-A security key
- USB-C security key
- NFC-compatible security key
- Multi-connection security key
- Backup security key
- Protective case or holder
Compatibility matters more than buying the most expensive option. Check both the accounts you want to protect and the devices you use before choosing a security key.
Some people keep a second compatible key in a secure location in case the primary key is lost or damaged.
Device & Account Security
A few physical products can complement the security features already built into phones, tablets, and computers.
Useful products may include:
- Privacy screen
- Webcam cover
- Laptop security cable
- External backup drive
- Encrypted external drive
- Surge protector
- Locking storage for devices or sensitive information
Choose products based on the risks you actually encounter. Someone who regularly uses a laptop in public may benefit from different equipment than someone whose computer rarely leaves home.
Safe Online Activity
Most safer-online tools work best as additional layers rather than replacements for the security features already included with your devices, browsers, and accounts.
Depending on your needs, useful options may include:
- Security or antivirus software
- Spam and call-blocking services
- Browser security or privacy tools
- Email security services
- Secure backup service
- Privacy screen
- Webcam cover
Before paying for additional software or subscriptions, check what protection is already included with your operating system, browser, internet provider, mobile carrier, or existing services.
Avoid paying for duplicate protection that does not provide a meaningful additional benefit.
Identity Protection
Identity-protection products and services can help monitor personal information, alert you to certain types of activity, or provide assistance if identity theft occurs.
Independence Answers + IdentityIQ: We’ve partnered with IdentityIQ to give Independence Answers readers direct access to its identity- and credit-protection services. IdentityIQ brings several tools together in one place, including three-bureau credit monitoring and alerts, dark-web monitoring, application monitoring, identity-theft insurance, and identity-recovery support. The IdentityIQ links below take you directly to the offer created for Independence Answers readers.
- Identity-monitoring service
- Credit-monitoring service
- Identity-recovery service
- Account activity alerts
- Dark-web monitoring
Other options may include:
Monitoring services vary considerably in what they watch and what assistance they provide. Before subscribing, check which people are covered, what information is monitored, which alerts are included, whether recovery assistance is provided, and whether similar monitoring is already available through another account or service you use.
Some identity-protection steps, including placing a credit freeze, can be done directly without purchasing a monitoring subscription.
Before You Buy
Many important online security protections are available without buying anything, including security features built into your devices and accounts.
Start there.
Then consider a password manager, security key, backup device, privacy accessory, security service, or identity-protection service when it fills a specific gap.
Avoid stacking subscriptions and products simply because they promise additional security. The best choice is the one that provides useful protection you will actually use without unnecessarily duplicating protections you already have.
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