Passwords, two factor, and the human layer.

Most break-ins do not look like a movie. They look like a reused password, a fake login page, and a moment of hurry. Three habits close most of that door.

1. One password, one place

Reusing a password means one leak opens every account that shares it. A password manager fixes this without asking you to remember anything: it invents a long, unique password for each site and fills it for you. You remember one master password. That is the whole job.

2. Two factor, everywhere it is offered

Two factor authentication means a stolen password is not enough on its own. An app code or a hardware key is the second lock. Turn it on for email first, because email resets everything else, then banking, then the rest. App codes beat text messages, which can be hijacked.

3. The human layer

The strongest account still opens if you hand over the key. Slow down on anything urgent and unexpected. Check the sender, not the display name. Type the address yourself instead of clicking the link. Nobody legitimate needs your password, a gift card, or a code you just received by text.