Convenience reigns supreme in the digital age, and password autofill is a major part of that. But what many people don't realize is that using this feature can actually put their personal data at risk. By understanding why password autofill is so dangerous, you can take steps to safeguard your sensitive information from malicious hackers.
Uncovering the risks of password autofill
Why password autofill is risky
Many people use password autofill on their web browser or password manager for convenience. The feature, however, can be used by hackers and advertisers to access user accounts and gather your sensitive information without your consent.
Why password autofill is so dangerous
Modern web browsers and password managers have a feature that enables usernames and passwords to be automatically entered into a web form.
Learn about distributed spam distraction schemes to protect your business
Distributed spam distraction (DSD) attacks are on the rise, as cybercriminals are banking on the busyness of the holidays to conduct cyberattacks in plain sight. These attacks aim to bury legitimate email alerts such as password change emails and the like.
The risks of autocomplete passwords
Hackers may have found another way of tracking you via seemingly harmless autocomplete passwords. Here’s what you need to know.
Why auto-fill passwords are so dangerous
Certain web browsers have integrated features that enable usernames and passwords to be automatically entered into a web form.
How You Can Comply with the Red Flag Rule
To comply with the federal government’s Red Flag Rule, you’ll need to have a written policy that specifically addresses how you will prevent and handle identity theft — and more. Regulations designed to minimize identity theft went into effect in June of 2010. Are you complying with them? The federal government’s so-called “Red Flag Rule” requires all businesses that are potential identity-theft targets develop plans to spot red flags and prevent theft. Red flags include suspicious photo IDs, unverifiable addresses and Social Security numbers, and questionable account activity, to name just a few. While many companies think the Red Flag Rule only applies to financial institutions, it actually applies to all creditors — with creditors being defined as “businesses or organizations that regularly provide goods and services first and allow customers to pay later,” according to a Frequently Asked Questions guide prepared by the Federal Trade Commission, which will enforce the Red Flag Rule. In other words, if you invoice customers for your goods or services, you’re a creditor — and the Red Flag Rule applies to you. How can you comply? You’ll need to have a written policy that specifically addresses how you will prevent and handle identity theft. Other recommendations include data encryption, annual updates of your written policy, and staff training. While this may seem onerous, you don’t want to ignore the legislation. Fines are $3,500 per violation — and the threat of a lawsuit from customers whose identity has been stolen. Related articles Do You Comply with the FTC’s Red Flag Fule?
