Repeating password raises hacking risk


Jeffrey Moore has what security experts, consumer advocates and law-enforcement officials call a bad habit.

He uses the same password to log on to multiple websites.

“It’s easier to remember,” he said.

Probably so, but relying on a single password also makes it easier for hackers to gain access to sensitive personal information, including financial records.

Simply put, if a crook gets his hands on one such password, he might as well have broken into every database associated with the owner of that password.

Password theft is becoming increasingly common, in part because consumers are spending more time — and doing more things — online, authorities say.

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