How to Avoid Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft

3. Use strong passwords and turn on extra login protection

A large share of fraud starts online, which is why strong passwords matter so much. The NCSC advises people to protect shopping, banking, and payment accounts with strong passwords that are not reused across other accounts. It also recommends turning on two-step verification, which adds an extra check when someone tries to sign in. (NCSC)

The reason this matters is simple. If you use the same password everywhere and one website is hacked, a criminal may try that same password on your email, shopping account, or bank login. But if each important account has its own strong password, one leak is less likely to unlock everything else. A strong password does not need to be impossible to remember, but it should not be easy to guess from your name, birthday, or simple patterns. (NCSC)

Two-step verification gives extra protection even if someone learns your password. It usually means the criminal would also need access to a code sent to your phone or app. The NCSC says this can stop hackers from getting into your accounts even when they know your password. That makes it one of the best simple steps you can take. Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated as well, because software updates often fix security problems that criminals try to exploit. In short, strong passwords protect the front door, and two-step verification adds a second lock behind it. (NCSC)