credential theft
Stealing login information
Credential theft is the unauthorized acquisition of usernames, passwords, or other authentication information.
Attackers use phishing, malware, or database breaches to steal credentials, then access accounts or sell the data: The company discovered credential theft had compromised thousands of employee logins.
The term is standard in cybersecurity contexts.
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- passwordAuthentication string
- hackingInfiltrating protected digital systems
- man in the middleIntermediary between two parties
- breachBreaking of agreement
stolen passwords · data breach · identity · identity fraud · keylogger · malware · spoofing · impersonation · login · authentication · security token · infiltration · social engineering · account takeover · dark web · encryption · two-factor · spyware
credential thefttwo-factor authentication
Identity confirmation requiring two proofs
credential theftidentity protection
Measures preventing personal fraud
multi-factor authentication · access control · password protection · identity verification
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