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In recent news, a large data dump of PayPal login credentials has been reported on the darknet, raising concerns for users' account security. While PayPal has denied a new breach, the risk of credential stuffing remains high. Here's what you can do to safeguard your PayPal account.
Firstly, it's essential to stay vigilant and proactive. Regularly check if your PayPal-associated email has appeared in data leaks using reputable breach notification services like "Have I Been Pwned." Additionally, monitor your email inbox for any unusual login alerts from PayPal, and check your PayPal account activity regularly for any unauthorized transactions or login attempts.
The key security measures you should take immediately are:
- Change your PayPal password to a new, strong, and unique password that you do not use on any other site.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your PayPal account to add an extra layer of security beyond just the password.
- Review your PayPal account for any suspicious transactions and report them to PayPal immediately.
- Use reputable antivirus/malware protection on all your devices to prevent password-stealing malware.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords securely.
- Be cautious of phishing attempts—do not click on suspicious links or provide credentials outside official PayPal channels.
Taking these steps helps mitigate risks from credential stuffing attacks and protects your account even if your credentials have leaked elsewhere.
If searches at Have I Been Pwned yield one or more hits, affected users should change their PayPal password. It's unlikely that the recently obtained PayPal login credentials were obtained directly from PayPal. Instead, they may have been stolen from users' devices or older incidents.
Passkeys, a passwordless login method, can also provide an additional layer of security. They are automatically generated, cannot be easily stolen, guessed, or forgotten, and can be stored in a compatible password manager, security USB stick (FIDO2), or even in a (mobile) operating system like Android, iOS/MacOS, or Windows.
In case of suspicious activities in a PayPal account, the user should contact PayPal immediately and file a report with the local police or the web watch of the respective federal state. Saving account statements as screenshots can also be useful when reporting suspicious activities.
The Identity Leak Checker of the Hasso-Plattner-Institut (HPI) can also be used to check for compromised login credentials. Using a password manager is recommended by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) to securely store multiple complex passwords.
Staying informed and adopting strong cybersecurity hygiene are essential given the scale and nature of this data leak. By following these guidelines, you can help protect your PayPal account and maintain your online security.
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