The world as we know it today is full of many online scammers and hackers, which has necessitated the increase in passwords to protect our data. These days there are passwords for everything, sometimes going a notch higher to use face and voice authentication. Despite people knowing how essential passwords are, most people still share them with friends, family, and co-workers, not knowing how much that can cost them.
According to a leading digital security firm survey, about 96% of the respondents had given up to six passwords to other people. These passwords included logins to social media, business, financial, and entertainment accounts.
If you have been sharing your passwords, below are four reasons why you should consider not sharing them anymore.
You could get hacked
Did you know that your information could get hacked without sharing your passwords? Hackers have been trying to break into people’s accounts since the concept of passwords was introduced, and sharing your passwords puts you at an even higher risk of having your accounts hijacked. Your family and friends with your passwords might not be as security-conscious as you and might be tricked into giving away your information without their consent. This can be done by installing spyware on their devices, which sends hackers your data and passwords. Hackers can install spyware by tricking them into opening scam emails or clicking links, attachments, and images.
Hackers can steal your information, money, or even identity with your passwords. They can also use your accounts to blackmail people and swindle money from them.
It compromises your account security
Every account that requires a password to access should be secured as much as possible. Giving your password to someone, as much as you trust them, compromises the security of your account. This is because such a person could keep the information on a compromised device, and as a result, your password will be vulnerable to theft. Additionally, giving your password increases the danger of exposing your private information to others. Other people may get hold of your sensitive data and manipulate you with it.
It may result in the loss of account ownership
By exchanging passwords with your friends or other relatives, you risk giving them access to your other accounts that use the same password. So, if someone has bad intentions and can access your email address using your password, you could lose your entire online identity. After hackers get their hands on your email address, they can also gain access to other passwords they’d like to change. These passwords include your online marketplace login credentials. The implication is that attackers will have no trouble making purchases using your online account information or changing your address or phone number.
Someone may have computer malware
There is no telling whether your trusted friend or a family member has malware on their computers. They might not be keeping their laptop secure and thus fall prey to malware that steals your passwords as they enter their browsers.
Are you in need of a safe place to store information and passwords?
Passwords are an essential part of everyone’s data, which is why they should not be shared. Hackers only need tiny details to enter your accounts and mess them up. To prevent unwanted access, you must create a strong password when you create an account. Also, minimize sharing the passwords as much as possible or leaving your passwords in the open exposed.
Do you want to learn more about the importance of password security and how to safeguard your passwords effectively? The people’s finder is your solution. Click here to find more materials to assist you in making sound password decisions.
