Online security is a top priority these days. Most users should be familiar with creating strong passwords, the importance of not using the same password for multiple accounts, and caution when sharing credentials. However, there are circumstances where protecting your passwords can be an almost impossible task and it is extremely important to change them immediately.
The renowned cybersecurity company Kaspersky presents a challenge to all users: a questionnaire that highlights five critical situations in which changing your password is essential to protect your data:
Question whether you should change your password
One of your online services suffered a data breach.
Sometimes developers overlook certain security aspects or make mistakes when configuring the system. For their part, the attackers never give up, knowing that they only have to get lucky once. Unfortunately, such thefts, also known as data leaks, are common and often quite extensive. So far in 2023, data leaks have already been reported at LastPass, T-Mobile, Twitter and PayPal. Such database records are often offered for sale on the underground market where sensitive data such as medical records or ID cards have been found, at prices even lower than the price of a cup of coffee.
You suspect you have fallen victim to phishing.
Scammers like to send emails on behalf of popular websites with fake password change requests to find out your current password. It is also common for cybercriminals to create fake websites that use the names of famous companies while subtly changing the address of an official page. In both cases, the issue is that a careless user falls into the trap. If you suspect you have fallen victim to this social engineering tactic, change your password immediately.
Someone else knows your password
Just like with underwear, the password is not shared with anyone: many Internet users consider sharing their passwords as a sign of trust and do not hesitate to share their password with family or friends. If you engage in this practice, you are giving someone else complete control over our information, our privacy, and even our finances. The example is valid: treat your passwords with the same care you treat your underwear.
You will receive an official notification
It is important to read emails carefully. Reputable and reputable companies, technology platforms or websites try to inform affected users of possible incidents or security breaches as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is important not to refuse requests to change your password. Do not click on links in emails; It’s better to enter the website address manually in the navigation bar. How to protect yourself from a possible phishing attempt.
You use the same password for more than one account
This approach leaves all accounts or platforms in which you use the same password vulnerable because if one of them is hacked, it is easier for all of them to be compromised. For this reason, Kaspersky experts recommend using a unique password for each platform; The ideal is not to “recycle” them, that is, not to use “paris1”, “paris2”, “paris3” in three different places.
