Step 2 to Simple Online Security: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

This is just one step in a series created to help anyone improve their online security regardless of their technical knowledge. For more information, see our complete Simple Online Security series.

Two-factor authentication (aka multi-factor authentication or two-step authentication) adds a second layer of protection to your most important online accounts. Once you’ve enabled it, logging in to an account requires entering a special, one-time-use code alongside your password.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/online-security-set-up-two-factor-authentication/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Step 1 to Simple Online Security: Always Use Strong Passwords

This is just one step in a series created to help anyone improve their online security regardless of their technical knowledge. For more information, see our complete Simple Online Security series.

Reusing passwords across different services increases the likelihood of malicious actors gaining access to your other accounts. Let’s say, for example, that you’re using the same password for Target’s website and for Gmail. If Target suffers a data breach that includes your password, your Gmail account password is also compromised in turn.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/online-security-use-strong-passwords/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Every Step to Simple Online Security

Online security is for everyone. Information about your life is spread across dozens, even hundreds, of services—where you shop, communicate, share information, and store files. Losing control of your digital identity can have real consequences, including embarrassing losses of privacy, devastating financial blows, and risks to personal safety. And whether it’s fair or not, the onus is on you to protect yourself. Although the task can seem overwhelming, just a few simple steps are enough to drastically reduce your risks online.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/simple-online-security/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Rice Cooker

Rice is one of the world’s most versatile foods: You could eat a different rice dish every day for weeks without getting bored. If that sounds appealing, you might appreciate a great rice cooker, which can turn out perfect, plump grains with almost no effort. After more than 150 hours of research and testing, during which we’ve cooked approximately 275 pounds of rice, we recommend the Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy NS-ZCC10. It makes the best white rice across all grain types of any cooker we’ve tested, and it also turns out great brown rice.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-rice-cooker/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Compact Washer and Dryer

If you can’t quite fit a full-size washer or dryer in your home, a 24-inch washer and ventless dryer pair will usually work instead. After 25 hours of research into 22 compact washers and 24 dryers, your best bet in this style is probably the Bosch 300 Series WAT28400UC washer and WTG86400UC dryer.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-compact-washer-and-dryer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Wire Cutter

The best wire cutter is no joke. After getting our hands on 13 pairs of wire cutters and spending three days relentlessly snipping wire ties, finish nails, hardware cloth, welded wire fencing, and thick electrical wire, the first tool we’d recommend is Channellock E337CB Diagonal Cutting Plier.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wire-cutter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

You Don’t Actually Have to Hard-Boil Your Easter Eggs

I’ve spent the majority of the past 15 years creating budget-friendly DIY projects, pinnable entertaining ideas, and holiday-themed crafts that have been featured on your favorite magazine covers and morning shows. I quickly learned that practice makes perfect—since very few projects go smoothly or look camera-ready on the first try.

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from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/raw-easter-eggs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed