Imagine using the same key for your house, office, car and safe.
If someone steals that key, how many things are now at risk?
A reused password creates the same problem online.
Suppose your password is exposed in a data breach at one website. Criminals may try that same password on your email, social media, shopping accounts or other services.
This is called credential stuffing.
One leaked password can become several compromised accounts.
The best defence is simple:
Use a different password for every important account.
A password manager can create and remember unique passwords for you.
Start with your email account. It is particularly important because someone who controls your email may be able to reset passwords for other services.
Then protect banking, mobile money, work, cloud storage and social media accounts.
Enable multi factor authentication wherever it is available.
Do not use easily guessed details such as your name, birthday or favourite team as passwords.
Think first. Click safe.
Your accounts may be connected.
Your passwords should not be.
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