## Help Content

**Title:** Managing Account Security
**Format:** Help article
**Audience:** All
**Slug:** account-security
**Purpose:** Protect your ReiSearch account with a strong password, two-factor authentication, and privacy controls.

**Content:**

Your ReiSearch account contains deal information, contact data, and access to your portfolio. These security settings help you control who can access your account and what information is visible to others.

### Changing Your Password

Go to Settings > Account. In the password section, enter your current password and your new password. Choose a strong password:

- At least 8 characters
- A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Not reused from other websites or services

Click "Save" to apply the change. You will need to use the new password on your next login.

### Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of security beyond your password. After enabling, you will enter a verification code sent to your phone each time you log in from a new device.

Go to Settings > Account. Find the two-factor authentication section. Click "Enable."

- Enter your phone number. The platform sends a test SMS to confirm the number works.
- After confirmation, 2FA is active. On your next login, you will be prompted for a code.
- Save your backup codes (shown during setup). Store them somewhere safe. If you lose access to your phone, backup codes are the only way to log in.

[SCREENSHOT: 2FA setup screen with phone number field and backup codes display]

### If You Cannot Receive MFA Codes

If 2FA is enabled and you are not receiving the verification code:

- Confirm your phone can receive SMS from short codes.
- Wait 60 seconds before requesting a new code. Requesting too quickly can delay delivery.
- Use a backup code if you have one.
- Contact Support if SMS and backup codes both fail. Support can disable 2FA after verifying your identity.

### Changing Your Email

Go to Settings > Profile. Click "Change Email" next to your current email address. Enter your new email and confirm. A verification message is sent to the new address. Click the verification link to complete the change.

Your email address is used for login, notifications, and password resets. Keep it current.

### Privacy Settings: Controlling Visibility

Two visibility controls let you decide who sees your contact information:

**Phone Visibility** — Choose from:
- **Public** — Visible to all ReiSearch users in your profile, Directory listing, and Network connections.
- **Network** — Visible only to users you are connected with.
- **Private** — Not visible to anyone except you.

**Email Visibility** — Same three options (Public, Network, Private). Use Private if you prefer to communicate through the platform messaging system.

Set these in Settings > Profile under the About Me section.

### Account Deletion

If you need to close your account permanently, go to Settings > Account. The account deletion option is in the security section.

Before deleting:

- Download any data or documents you need to keep. Deletion is permanent.
- Cancel any active subscriptions or billing plans first. Go to Settings > Billing to manage your subscription.
- Shared properties and active deals will be affected. Notify your connections if needed.

Click "Delete Account" and follow the confirmation prompts. Your account and associated data are removed permanently.

### Security Best Practices

- Use a unique password for ReiSearch that you do not use on other sites.
- Enable 2FA, especially if you manage deals involving other people's money or sensitive data.
- Review your active sessions periodically. If you see a login from an unfamiliar location, change your password immediately.
- Never share your login credentials. Use the Teams feature to collaborate without sharing accounts.

**Next steps:**
- Navigating Settings
- How to Update Your Profile
- Notifications Preferences
- Login, Password, and MFA Issues

**Status:** Draft v0.1