Three Controls That Stop Account Takeover Before It Starts

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• Three Controls That Stop Account Takeover Before It Starts

02 April 2026 | Updated 31 March 2026

Francis West, CEO of Security Everywhere, warns that ‘Account Takeover’ is one of the most common ways cyber-attacks begin.

It rarely starts with anything sophisticated. In most cases, a password is reused, guessed, or exposed in a data breach. Once a criminal gains access, they can quietly read emails, reset other accounts, and move through the business without being noticed.

By the time it is discovered, the damage is often already done.

The good news is that this risk can be significantly reduced with a small number of well-placed controls.

Here are three safeguards every organisation should implement:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords on their own are no longer enough.

Multi-Factor Authentication adds a second layer of protection, such as a code from a mobile app or device. Even if a password is compromised, access is blocked without that second step. This is one of the most effective controls available and a core requirement in Cyber Essentials.

2. Use a unique password for every system

Reusing passwords creates unnecessary risk.

If one account is exposed, attackers will attempt to access other systems using the same details. This is automated and happens at scale. Using unique passwords for each system limits the impact of a breach. Password managers make this easy to implement without adding extra burden on staff.

3. Monitor and respond to suspicious login activity

Early detection makes a real difference.

Unusual login attempts, such as access from new locations or devices, should be treated as a warning sign. Many systems already provide alerts for this type of activity. Reviewing and acting on these alerts quickly can stop an incident before it develops further.

No single control will prevent every attack. However, when combined, these measures create a strong and practical defence against account compromise.

Protecting access to your systems protects the foundation of your business.

If you would like to know just how secure your business is, make sure to take the short, free cyber-health quiz. 

Cyber Security Health Quiz - 3 min.

Picture: An open hand reaches up toward a digital interface featuring a central padlock icon surrounded by various cybersecurity symbols.

 

Article written by Francis West | Published 02 April 2026

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