Account compromises flourish in an environment where data breaches expose passwords and there are incentives to breaking into accounts. Is your account at risk? You are at greater risk of account compromise if:
You’re using a weak password
There are databases of commonly used passwords that can be used to crack open accounts. Using a weak password increases the risk that your account can be compromised.
You’re re-using a password
Likewise, there are databases of passwords gained from breaches that can also be used to crack open accounts. Did you know that large pet sites have been breached in the past? If you are using the same password across petsites, your account is especially at risk from people who specifically are targeting older petsite accounts.
You’re sharing login credentials
A common way to have an account compromised is by sharing a password with a trusted friend, and then having a falling out occur. It is possible then that one takes over the account or transfers things to a different account. Sharing passwords puts your account at greater risk of being compromised.
Yes, y’alls password “1234” you’re usin’ for all ten of your petsites and share with your five closest friends is goin’ to get hack-i-fied. I’ve tested it with my very own Grandabulated Hackithimometer. Y’can trust me; I’m a professor!Professor Sprocket
The good news is that you can take several easy steps to reduce the risk of your account being compromised.
Go do the thing right now—don’t y’all wait ‘til tomorrow! My Tinibulous Quantabulator says it’ll take just a few minutes.Professor Sprocket