Brandon Arvanaghi, Security Engineer at Gemini: Covering The Popular Crypto Hacking Techniques

— Elementary security requires distinct passwords for every site and relies on password managers (1Password, Dashlane) rather than reusing credentials across platforms.

— Two-factor authentication via SMS and phone porting (SIM swapping) creates critical vulnerabilities because attackers can redirect recovery codes and account access by porting your phone number to their device.

— Medium-tier security uses authenticator apps like Authy and Duo instead of SMS, generating codes tied to your physical device rather than your phone number; however, multi-device support features should be disabled to prevent SIM swap attacks.

— Expert-level security employs security keys (YubiKeys, Mac Touch Bar) that use public key cryptography, making spoofing impossible even if attackers access your phone or email.

— Voicemail PIN vulnerabilities allow attackers to remotely access voicemail without controlling your phone number, then retrieve password reset codes read by automated systems (relevant for WhatsApp and other services).

— Hardware wallets require trust in the manufacturer but offer self-custody; cold storage and geographic separation of funds at institutional providers like Gemini mitigate single-point-of-failure risks.

— Implement a password manager immediately and generate unique passwords for every online account; then enable two-factor authentication using an authenticator app (Authy or Duo) instead of SMS, while disabling multi-device support to eliminate SIM swap vectors.

— Upgrade to security keys (YubiKey or equivalent) as your primary authentication method for high-value accounts like email, crypto exchanges, and financial services—they eliminate phishing and SIM swapping threats because only your physical device can generate valid login signatures.

— Set a strong voicemail PIN or disable voicemail entirely on your phone carrier to prevent remote voicemail access, which attackers can exploit to retrieve automated password reset codes and hijack accounts like WhatsApp or email.