John Caldwell:The Daily Money: Take action: huge password leak

2025-05-08 01:46:04source:Burley Garciacategory:Invest

Good morning and John CaldwellHappy Friday! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with Friday's consumer-focused The Daily Money.

Changing your passwords on at least your most critical accounts should probably be on your to-do list in light of news that 10 billion passwords were posted to a hacking site.

What's the danger of what's being called the largest password leak of all time?

Those passwords can be used by cybercriminals to get into your various online accounts, like your bank account, email and social media.

It's especially dangerous if you re-use passwords on multiple accounts or have a simple or commonly used password.

Here's timely advice.

Also this morning we learned that nearly all of AT&T's cell customers' call and text records were exposed in a massive breach. Find out more here.

What cities have the safest, riskiest drivers?

Honolulu has the safest drivers in America while Albuquerque, New Mexico, has the riskiest, according to a new report from insurer Allstate. 

For the 16th year, the insurer looked at data and released its findings for its America's Best Drivers Report.

For the first time, Allstate used anonymized connected driving data from Allstate’s mobility data and analytics partner Arity to rank the 100 most populus U.S. urban areas by driving behavior, such as phone handling, high-speed driving and hard braking. Arity powers the optional safe-driving features in Allstate’s mobile Drivewise app. 

Find out where your city ranks.

📰 Consumer stories you shouldn't miss 📰

  • Is your flight delayed or canceled? The Detroit Free Press' Susan Tompor offers some things to consider when asking for a refund or rebooking.
  • Inflation in June slowed more than expected.
  • Today is National Fry Day. Here's a recipe for crispy french fries.
  • Do you have tip rage when it comes to gratuities?
  • Want to know where the locals on Oahu hike?

📰 A great read 📰

Finally, here's a popular story from earlier this year that you may have missed. Feel free to share it.

When the phone rings, is someone asking "Can you hear me?" If so, it's best to hang up. It could be a scam.

The "Can you hear me" scam has been targeting consumers for quite a few years. It's unclear exactly how the scam might play out, but consumer advocates, including the Better Business Bureau, say it's better to hang up and not engage.

Find out what the scammers may do with your voice.

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.

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