r favorite pet's name, input a completely bogus response that only you will know. Avoid easily guessed single word responses like 123456, password, or other dictionary words or sequential number responses. Attackers can simply enter lists of commonly used words/number sequences until one gets accepted. Use a passphrase instead - a favorite quote or short phrase with all spaces removed.

Some online accounts will allow you to enter a mobile phone number. If a password reset or recovery is requested, you'll receive a text message alerting you. If available, this is one of the most secure methods you can use. However, phones can be lost or stolen, so remember to still have a valid email on file with the service and use hard-to-guess passphrases for the security questions.