Hackers use phishing (21% of breaches), malware like infostealers (21%), weak passwords (35%), and data breaches (27%) to steal credentials. Password reuse across sites amplifies risks, with 94% of 19 billion leaked passwords in 2024 being recycled.
In today’s digital world, passwords are the keys to our online lives. From social media accounts to banking apps, we rely on passwords to keep our information safe. But what happens when those passwords fall into the wrong hands? That’s where password theft becomes a serious threat.
Password theft is the act of stealing someone’s password without their permission. Once stolen, hackers can access private accounts, steal sensitive data, or even impersonate the victim online. This type of cybercrime is alarmingly common and can affect anyone.
Hackers use phishing (21% of breaches), malware like infostealers (21%), weak passwords (35%), and data breaches (27%) to steal credentials. Password reuse across sites amplifies risks, with 94% of 19 billion leaked passwords in 2024 being recycled.
Stolen passwords lead to identity theft (77% of victims lose personal info), financial loss (25% lose credit card data), and major heists, like the $150M Ripple theft linked to a 2022 LastPass breach. Businesses face reputational damage and legal risks.
Create unique, strong passwords (12+ characters, mixed symbols). Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), use a reputable password manager, and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive logins. Regularly monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
In 2024, 19 billion passwords were leaked online, with only 6% unique. Credential-stuffing attacks exploit reused passwords, while AI-driven phishing makes attacks harder to spot. Staying informed is key to staying secure.