What Happened to My PASSWORD?

What happened to my PASSWORD?

Has my phone been hacked?  I have to change my password every time I try to log into my account. Sound familiar? Internet security is one issue, but your problems don't necessarily mean your phone has been hacked.  Let's take a look.

First and foremost, your phone is a convenient mobile device that links you to your online accounts or websites.  It is NOT the main connection per se.  Bank, mail, utilities, and many other accounts have web links allowing you to connect to your account from any source. So you can access them through your mobile phone, computer, or tablet.  Passwords are NOT automatically changed across your devices just because you change them.

Forget the autofill!  The convenient feature only works on one device at a time. Some systems like Google and Apple allow you to sync your devices so your passwords can be used for web-based accounts. 

What you do on your web-based account does NOT get changed in the app. For example, if you have a Google account and change your password to sign into Google, it will not change in your mail app.  If you use a third-party email address for your Apple ID, PAY ATTENTION.  Your iPhone will tell you for which password it is asking.  IF it asks you to enter the password for your Apple ID, it is not asking for your email password.  Changing your email password then, will not change your Apple ID.  IF you are not getting email, it is not your Apple ID password you change. 

Let's bottom line it! You may be your own worst enemy.  READING IS FUNDAMENTAL. Pay attention to what account, website, or application you are in! If you are in your mail app, you are working with your email password.  If you changed your bank account password on their website for security purposes and you cannot use the bank app, you don't need to call Apple Support! You don't need to call the bank! You are your own HACKER.