Leaked! Password Resets
Earlier today, 272 million email log in credentials were stolen. Russian hackers were able to get a hold of Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail and Microsoft email passwords. It is imperative that these passwords be reset, but with guidance. Boot Networks urges you to take steps to reset each one and we have written a guide on how to reset each one.
Please note, before changing anything, make sure these changes will not adversely affect your applications. Email account passwords are often interconnected and shared with many other programs such as Office, Google Docs, Outlook, Skype, OneDrive and others. Contact us or your provider before making any changes to asses the programs that will be affected by a reset. Please keep a copy of all old and new passwords before making changes in case the old password is still required for certain applications. Boot Networks is also willing to walk you through the process remotely for a small fee. Once you know the consequences reset the passwords of any account that may be compromised.
In each section, the first method is for those that are still able to log into their account and change their password from within. Method 2 is for those locked out of their account fully.
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Yahoo:
Method 1:
Follow this LINK.
Log into your account.
Select Account Security.
Select Change Password.
Enter your old password (if asked).
Enter your new password.
Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
Method 2:
Follow this LINK.
Enter your yahoo email address or phone number associated with the account.
Fill out the captcha provided.
Answer your security questions correctly.
Enter your new password.
Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
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Google (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Earth, Google Drive): Follow this LINK.
Method 1:
Follow this LINK.
Select your account. If no accounts are listed, select “add account”. Log into your account.
Follow this LINK.
Select ‘signing in to Google; under the Sign-in & security section.
Select the Password Tab under the ‘Password & sign-in method’ section.
Enter your old password (if asked).
Enter your new password. Confirm your new password. Click Change password
Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
Method 2:
Follow this LINK.
Select your account. If no accounts are listed, select “add account”.
Select the blue ‘Need help?’ option below the password box.
Follow the prompts google provides.
Each prompt uses a different method to help you recover a password. Use the option ‘Try a different question’ down at the bottom to switch prompts.
First, is using old passwords. If you enter an old password correctly, it will prompt you to reset your password.
Second, uses a phone tied to the account that has your google account on it. Without leaving the webpage, simply click the message google sends to your phone and google will direct you to reset your password through your webpage.
Third, send a code to your cell phone. You can either receive a text or phone call. Enter the code into your webpage and google will direct you to reset your password.
Fourth, Google will provide your password reset to an alternative email. Log into your other email to reset your password.
Each method will eventually arrive at this screen.
Enter your new password. Confirm your new password. Click Change password
Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
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Microsoft (Hotmail, MSN, Outlook.com): This account is the most crucial because it affect many different applications, both on your computer and online.
Method 1:
Follow this LINK.
Log into your Microsoft account
In the upper right select the gear icon.
Select the Password option from the drop down.
Enter your old password (if asked).
Enter your new password.
Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
Method 2:
Follow this LINK.
Select through the prompts provided by Microsoft.
You will be asked to enter your email account and a captcha.
It will then ask where you would like a security code to be sent. Select either your email, alternate email or cell phone, whichever option is available.
Without leaving the webpage you have open, check your email or cell phone for the security code sent to you by Microsoft.
Once you receive a code, return to the webpage and enter the code in the box provided.
Finally it will bring you to a password reset screen. Enter your new password into both boxes. Ensure that it is at least 8 characters, with a number, a capital letter and a symbol of some kind.
Example: BrCr137!
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If this feels overwhelming, please don’t hesitate to call us and let us walk you through the process. Peace of mind is important, I hope this blog helped you feel more secure.