Photo by dlxmedia.hu on Unsplash

By Arthur Moses Opio

In today's interconnected world, it's common for people to share their account credentials or passwords with others. While this may seem like a harmless act, it can actually pose a significant threat to cyber security. In this article, we'll explore the risks of account and password sharing and why it's important to keep your online information secure.

The first risk of sharing account credentials or passwords is the potential for unauthorized access. If you share your account information with someone, they can use it to log in to your account without your permission. This can lead to a number of negative consequences, such as theft of personal information or financial fraud. It can also lead to unauthorized use of your online resources, such as cloud storage or email accounts.

The second risk of account or password sharing is the potential for phishing attacks. Phishing is a type of cyber attack where an attacker attempts to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details. If someone you share your account information with falls victim to a phishing attack, your account may be compromised as well. This can lead to further cyber security risks, such as identity theft or malware infections.

The third risk of account or password sharing is the potential for account takeover. Account takeover occurs when an attacker gains access to your account and takes control of it. This can happen if your account information is shared with someone who has malicious intent, or if your password is weak and easily guessed. Once an attacker has taken over your account, they can use it to impersonate you, steal your data, or conduct fraudulent activities.

To protect yourself from these risks, it's important to keep your account information and passwords secure. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid sharing account information or passwords with anyone, even friends or family members. For some people who share computers, they save their passwords on the browser hence easy and quick access to your accounts. Always log out and don't save passwords.
2. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts; this includes your online banking accounts.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code sent to your phone or email.
4. Be cautious of phishing emails and other scams. If you receive an email asking you to log in to your account, make sure it's legitimate before entering your credentials. Always research or report to us to verify.
5. Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized access or unusual activity, change your password immediately and contact DICTS.

In conclusion, account and password sharing can pose a significant threat to cyber security. By keeping your account information and passwords secure, you can protect yourself from unauthorized access, phishing attacks, and account takeover. Stay vigilant and follow the tips outlined in this message to keep your online information safe.

For staff members or student's on social media. Ensure you have checked your privacy settings and also enabled two factor authentication. For Those on twitter, unless you pay the monthly 8 dollars, you will use a third party like Google Authenticator.