If you feel burnt out by endless passwords, security alerts, and authentication codes, you’re not alone. It can feel like the rules for staying safe online are constantly changing.
In this episode, Wirecutter writer Max Eddy, who covers online privacy and security, demystifies modern password hygiene. Max breaks down why reusing passwords leaves your accounts vulnerable and how a password manager can lighten your cognitive load. He also explains why passkeys—a new technology—may finally render passwords obsolete.
Plus, discover practical, stress-free tips to upgrade your online security step-by-step and protect your devices on the go.
This episode covers:
- Password managers 101: Why dedicated tools like 1Password and Bitwarden make online safety seamless, reducing cognitive fatigue and automatically generating complex logins.
- Understanding two-factor authentication: What two-factor authentication (2FA) actually protects, how to use backup codes, and why authenticator apps outperform text message (SMS) codes.
- The promise of passkeys: How this emerging password-free technology works, why tech giants are adopting it, and how it protects your accounts even during data breaches.
- Practical security habits: Simple, high-priority actions to secure your personal email, safely share passwords with family, and safeguard your devices when traveling.
Products we recommend:
Additional reading:
- Passkeys Are the New Passwords. You Should Start Using Them Now.
- I’m a Security Expert. I Don’t Know Any of My Passwords.
- I Tried, and Failed, to Disappear From the Internet
- The 2 Best Password Managers of 2026
- The 2 Best Two-Factor Authentication Apps of 2026
- The 2 Best Security Key for Multi-Factor Authentication of 2026
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