The recent $16 million fraud charge against former baseball star Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, highlights the importance of securing online accounts. Mizuhara allegedly stole money from Ohtani’s bank account by impersonating him and making fraudulent wire transfers. This abuse of access serves as a reminder of the necessity to protect oneself from online fraud and identity theft.
One simple step to enhance online security is to use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden, which helps generate and track secure passwords. By using unique passwords for each site, individuals can prevent hackers from accessing multiple accounts even if one password is compromised. The transparency and security measures of reputable password managers provide an added layer of protection against cyber threats.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another effective security measure that requires additional confirmation of a user’s identity beyond a username and password. Methods like app notifications or physical security keys add an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access. While MFA is not foolproof, it significantly enhances account security at minimal cost to the user.
Passkeys are an innovative form of security that eliminate the need for traditional passwords by utilizing biometric information like fingerprints or facial scans. This upgrade replaces the vulnerability of stolen passwords or MFA codes with a unique and convenient authentication method. Major tech companies are adopting passkeys, making it easier to integrate with existing hardware and software features for enhanced security.
It is crucial to safeguard accounts with backup security questions, with the assistance of a password manager for generating random answers. By avoiding the use of personal biographical information in security questions, individuals can deter potential hackers from accessing their accounts. This simple yet effective method adds an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access to sensitive information.
