You have dozens of accounts, but a handful protect all the rest. This guide tells you which ones and in what order. It is part of Everyday passwords.
Why your email is the master key
Your email account
Receives every reset link
Bank
Can be reset by email
Shopping
Can be reset by email
Social media
Can be reset by email
Exchange
Can be reset by email
Priority order
| Order | What to secure | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Email security checklist | |
| 2 | Phone | PINs, lock screens and SIM PIN |
| 3 | Bank | Online banking security |
| 4 | Computer | Login passwords and disk encryption |
| 5 | Social media | Social media account security |
| 6 | Home network | Wi-Fi and router passwords |
| 7 | Crypto exchanges | Securing exchange logins |
If you hold crypto, move exchanges up to join your email at the top.
Start with your email
Read why your email is the master key to everything, then work through the checklist. It is the most valuable 20 minutes on this site.
Close the back doors
An account is only as strong as its weakest way in. Two common weak points are easy to fix:
- Security questions can be researched, so treat them like passwords.
- Mixing work and personal accounts means that a problem on one side can spread.
What you will need
A password manager to create unique passwords, and two-factor login on each account. If you have not set these up, do that first.