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How to Protect Your Online Accounts

Data breaches are happening more and more frequently. Whether people are targeted individually or an entire database is compromised, revealing personal information to bad actors, it’s important you know how to protect your online accounts.

Credential Stuffing 

Have you heard of credential stuffing? It’s what happens when cyber attackers acquire login credentials leaked from major data breaches — usernames, email addresses, and passwords, among other information. And it’s a type of fraud that’s on the rise. Hackers then use the information to test the login credentials across multiple websites and platforms. If the attackers get a hit — meaning, they discover you are an account user — they then use your stolen information to try to figure out the password.  

Many people fall victim to hacking from credential stuffing because they use the same username and password for multiple digital services. So how do we protect ourselves?  

Use different usernames and passwords

We have all heard of having a different password for all of our accounts, but now it is important to have different usernames as well. This can be overwhelming with all of the digital accesses in our lives. However, using a password encrypted document or spreadsheet is one idea to store and keep track of all your important usernames and passwords. It is also wise to use dual authentication like a passcode sent to text or fingerprint whenever possible when logging into your different accounts.

Select strong passwords

The majority of data breaches that successfully steal personal information are a result of weak passwords. Here are some tips to making stronger passwords for each of your online accounts:

• Do not use personal information such as SSN, birthdate, nicknames.
• Make your password at least 12 characters long.
• Add a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters along with random symbols and numbers.
• Avoid reusing passwords or only changing one character.

Out of password ideas? Using a password generator like the one at www.lastpass.com/password-generator can help you create strong passwords. Creating secure passwords along with changing them frequently can help you keep your online account safe.

Sources:

• https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-credential-stuffing/
• https://www.lastpass.com/password-generator