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Account Takeover

Account Takeover (ATO) is a cybercrime in which an attacker gains unauthorized access to a victim's online account.

ATOs can occur through various methods, such as phishing scams, malware attacks, or weak passwords. Once the attacker has access to the account, they can use it to steal sensitive information, make unauthorized purchases, or commit other crimes.


To protect against account takeover, using strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts is important. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts, and consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords. It is also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication on your accounts, as this adds an extra layer of security.


Steps you can take to protect against account takeover include:

  • Avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.

  • Keeping your operating system and security software up to date.

  • Being cautious when providing personal information online.

Following these tips and staying vigilant can help protect yourself and your accounts from the threat of account takeover.

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