It is important if you are using an online service that you understand large onsite services will be under constant attack. Make sure you’re happy that if the site is hacked and your data exposed, that you minimise the risk to yourself and business.
Many people use the same password and username across multiple sites. Unfortunately many sites now use your email address as your username so all that is needed is the password and your account on another site can be accessed.
Many years ago I recall video stores had a problem with passwords so it was wise to use a different password at different video stores. In the case of video stores, anyone who worked at the store would have access to your password and video stores often had poor security and staff turnover. The world hasn’t changed much, except now we have online accounts. If a site is compromised your account can be compromised and often that means your username (email address) and password can be determined. Then they can be used to access other sites.
If you have a LinkedIn account and your password has been published LinkedIn will reset your password. I’d suggest if you have a LinkedIn account it may be time to review the passwords you are using and if you are using the same password across multiple online services, think about using a different strategy.
There are also a number of sites which will enable you to check if your password is one of the passwords published. I’d highly recommend you do not use those site. There is nothing to say they aren’t sites simply designed to collect passwords. Don’t be tempted to check your password using a site. Just change your passwords if you are concerned.
Kelvin Eldridge