Yahoo data breach: Secure your account in 7 simple steps

Yahoo has reported a massive data leak and it claims that itis a "state-sponsored" attack. This can become one of the worst data-leaks in thehistory of modern technology. According to the company's official statement,the leak can affect around 500 million subscribers all over the world.

The company has released emails to the accounts that arepotentially under threat asking them to take certain actions to re-secure theirprofiles. Users who have received the mail should definitely take quick actionbut since the nature of the leak is still unclear, all users who either useYahoo directly or have linked other accounts with a Yahoo email should take precautionarysteps to deflect any probable hack.

Here  are a few thingsyou could do to keep your account secure:
Note: These suggestions can be used for most email providers

1. Log-in to your Yahoo account, you'll find a setting gearsymbol at the top right of the page.

2. Scroll down to the pop-up and you'll find an option'Account info', click on that.

3. The link will take you to Yahoo's Account info page whichwill have sub-sections on the left half of the screen.

4. Click on the sub-section 'Account-security'.

5. On the right side of the page you'll find a toggle for atwo-step verification, turn that on.  

6. You will get a prompt from Yahoo to send you a OTP (onetime password) to the registered number

7. Once you verify your number the two-step verificationwill get activated

Disclaimer: The user will have to log-in using the two-stepsevery time they sign-in from that account. So, leaving the phone at home won'tbe an option.

Apart from this specific process, these are a few password-basics users should have in mind:

1. Try not to use your name or number as a password.

2. Always include special characters and numbers in yourpassword.

3. Longer the password, safer your account. Use a minimum of8 characters in your password.

4. Use different passwords for different accounts.

5. Try starting your password with a random specialcharacter, it reduces the chances of a hacker guessing it.

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