Account recovery is part of account security

The recovery path is a login path

People often secure the primary login and forget the recovery flow. An attacker who cannot guess your password may still try to take over the recovery email, intercept a code, convince support to change the account, or use an old trusted device.

List every recovery method an account offers. Include recovery email, phone number, backup codes, trusted browsers, authenticator apps, security keys, identity questions and support escalation. Treat each one as an authentication factor with its own threat model.

Build recovery before you need it

Use a dedicated recovery email with a unique password and strong authentication. Store recovery codes in an encrypted password manager and an offline backup. Register more than one security key when the service permits it, but keep the spare key separate from the daily device.

Do not use answers to public identity questions. If a service requires them, use random values and store them like passwords. Remove phone numbers or old devices that no longer serve a clear recovery purpose.

Test the process

Read the recovery instructions while you are still signed in. Confirm which factor is needed, how long a lockout lasts, whether changing a password revokes sessions, and whether an attacker can add a new recovery method before the legitimate owner notices.