Introduction In 2026, “password stealing” is automated by AI. If you aren’t using modern security, your account is a sitting duck.
1. Enable Hardware-Based MFA SMS codes are easily intercepted. Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator) or, for high-value accounts, a physical Security Key (YubiKey).
2. Audit Your “Connected Apps” Go to your Facebook or X (Twitter) settings and look at “Apps and Sessions.” You’ll likely find dozens of old games or websites that still have permission to access your data. Revoke everything you don’t use daily.
3. The “Out of Office” Rule Never post vacation photos while you are still on vacation. Burglars and hackers use “live” social media updates to identify empty homes and vulnerable digital targets.
4. Privacy Segmenting Use “Close Friends” lists. In 2026, social engineering is the #1 way accounts are hacked. By limiting who can see your personal details (like your pet’s name or your high school), you make it much harder for a hacker to “guess” your security questions.
