Passwords, while a basic form of security, are full of holes that attackers can exploit. Here's a quick rundown of password vulnerabilities and the threats they pose:

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    Vulnerabilities are weaknesses in the password itself. Here are some common ones:

    Weak passwords: Passwords that are short, easy to guess (like birthdays or names) or use common phrases are vulnerable to attack.

    Reused passwords: If you use the same password for multiple accounts, a hacker who breaches one account can potentially access all of them.

    Default passwords: Some systems come with default passwords that should be changed by the user. Leaving the default password in place is a vulnerability.

    Unpatched Systems: Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that hackers exploit to steal passwords.

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    Threats are the ways attackers can steal passwords. Here are some common ones:

    Phishing attacks: Phishing emails or messages trick you into revealing your password on a fake website that looks real.

    Brute force attacks: Hackers use software to try millions of different password combinations until they guess the right one. This is more effective against weak passwords.

    Dictionary attacks: Similar to brute force, but attackers try using common words and phrases found in dictionaries.

    Credential stuffing: Hackers use leaked passwords from one data breach to try logging into other accounts.

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    • Use strong, unique passwords for every account.

    • Make your passwords long (at least 12 characters) and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

    • Consider using a password manager to help you create and store strong passwords.

    • Be wary of phishing attacks and never enter your password on a website unless you're sure it's legitimate.

    • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, like a code from your phone, to log in.