Why is it important to use unique accounts for different services?

Why Is It Important to Use Unique Accounts for Different Services?

In today's digital world, accounts are the keys to our data, finances, and personal information. However, many users make a common mistake—using the same account (email, login, and password) for different services. This poses a serious security threat. In this article, we will explore why it is crucial to create unique accounts for each service and how this can protect your data.

1. Minimizing the Risk of Hacking

If you use the same account for multiple services, a breach of one service automatically grants access to all others. For example, if cybercriminals obtain your password from a social network, they might use it to access your online banking, email, or other critical services.

• One service is hacked → access to your account is compromised.
• Automatic password testing on other popular websites.
• Full control over your data and potential financial loss.

2. Protection Against Data Leaks

Every year, millions of passwords are leaked due to breaches of major platforms. If you use the same login and password everywhere, these credentials can be used against you.

Examples of data leaks:

• Facebook breach in 2019 — data of 540 million users leaked.
• LinkedIn login and password leak in 2021 — 700 million records.
• Massive password leaks from popular services like Zoom, Yahoo, and Adobe.

3. Reducing the Risk of Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a scam technique where cybercriminals create fake websites that mimic real ones. If you use the same credentials across different services, entering them on a fraudulent site could result in losing access to all your accounts.

How to avoid this?

• Use unique logins and passwords for each service.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.
• Check website URLs before entering your credentials.

4. Preventing Mass Data Theft

Some companies may sell or share user data with third parties. If you use the same account for all services, your data can easily end up in the wrong hands.

5. Improving Privacy

Using unique accounts allows you to separate personal and work activities while also preventing different services from tracking your activities.

Example:

• One email for social networks, another for online shopping, and a third for work.
• Different passwords for each account.
• Using temporary emails for registrations on suspicious websites.

6. How to Easily Manage Unique Accounts?

Creating different accounts for each service might seem complicated, but there are convenient ways to store and manage them.

Recommendations:

• Password managers: Bitwarden, 1Password, KeePass, NordPass.
• Password generators: Use complex and unique combinations.
• Use unique emails: ProtonMail, SimpleLogin, and similar services.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA): to protect critical services.

Conclusion

Using unique accounts for different services is not just a best practice but a necessity in today's world. It helps protect personal data, prevent breaches, reduce phishing risks, and maintain privacy. Take some time to create a secure account management system, and you will significantly reduce the risk of data leaks.