What is Password Reuse?
Password reuse is when a person uses the same password or a slight variation of it across multiple online accounts and services. Many people may reuse a password because it’s easier for them to memorize one instead of several passwords, or they may just change a number at the end of their typical password. Changing just a number at the end of a password is ineffective and provides little extra protection.
What Risks do I Face by Reusing the Same Password?
When you reuse the same password across multiple accounts, it increases the likelihood of unauthorized access. If a password associated with one of your accounts gets leaked in a data breach and you have reused the password from the site that is compromised, attackers can use those credentials to gain access to your accounts on other sites. This can lead to devastating consequences – identity theft, financial loss and additional data breaches.
While it might seem convenient to reuse passwords, this practice creates a major security risk. Following best practices, like using unique passwords for each account, enhances your overall security posture. It limits the damage any single breach can cause and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to move through your digital life.
What Can I do to Keep my Online Accounts Safe?
Creating unique passwords for separate accounts is the solution. By not reusing passwords, you significantly decrease your exposure in the event one of your passwords is revealed, and following best practices, like using unique passwords for each account, enhances your overall security at home and at work.
Remembering multiple passwords can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. The best tool that you can use for remembering all your passwords is a password manager. Tools like this allow you to remember just one strong password to access all your other passwords.
To learn more about Password Managers, click here.
Have Questions? Contact the SPC Technical Support Center at onlinehelp@spcollege.edu or call 727-341-HELP (727-341-4357) (Mon.- Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Eastern). Chat: Live Chat with Support
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