04.05.24

Reused passwords–your iPhone can help you spot the risk

We all know the importance of strong, unique passwords. But let’s be honest, remembering them all can be a struggle. Luckily, iPhones with iOS come with a built-in password manager to help you out.

This handy tool not only stores your logins but also helps you identify potential security risks. Here’s what to watch out for:

  1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on “Passwords & Accounts”.
  3. Here, you’ll see a list of all your saved logins. Keep an eye out for entries with an exclamation mark (!) next to them.

Uh oh, exclamation mark! What does it mean?

That exclamation mark is a warning sign. It means the password you’re using for this website or app is also being used for another login stored on your iPhone. This is a big security risk!

Why are reused passwords bad?

Imagine a hacker stumbles upon your password for one website. If you’ve reused that same password elsewhere, they can easily try it on other accounts, increasing your chances of getting hacked.

So, what should you do if you see an exclamation mark?

Here’s your action plan:

  1. Change your password! Tap on the login with the exclamation mark and select “Change Password” to create a strong, unique password for that specific account.
  2. Consider a password manager: If managing multiple passwords feels overwhelming, explore free or paid password manager apps that can generate and store unique passwords for all your accounts.

By avoiding reused passwords and using strong, unique ones, you significantly strengthen your online security.