How Did Company Get My Password?

[struggling]

I was stunned today. I called the anti-virus software company that I subscribe to. I needed to find out how to transfer the subscription if I bought a new computer. (There's no installation disc -- I downloaded it)

 

She gave me a reference number and said she would send an email with instructions to download. She then gave me a password to log into my account on the company's website.

 

It was the exact same password I have used for my various email accounts for years. Not comon, either. Wouldn't expect to see it.

 

The last time I used someone else's computer to check my mail was at least 5 years ago. I hardly ever do that.

 

It would be a real stretch to call it coincidence.I can't imagine how this company came up with that same password!

 

Any ideas?

[BeeCeeBee]

If you downloaded a subscription Antivirus account you most likely supplied the password yourself when you purchased or subscribed to it. What AV program do you use?

 

Most likely there is nothing sinister going on.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Sheer coincidence, nothing more.

[Goku]

The last time I used someone else's computer to check my mail was at least 5 years ago. I hardly ever do that.

Is that an exaggerated claim or are you seriously mean that?

 

Give the name of the company you are dealing with. If you subscribed to them, you must have given them a password because it is an essential field while feeling such forms.

 

-- Goku

[struggling]

Oooooh Kaaay. :rolleyes: Thanks for the responses, guys. No exaggeration, Goku. I travel with a laptop. Don't trust my financial information to public computers.

 

McAfee is the company. I've just never before seen where a vendor has access to my account password. First time for everything, I guess.

[BeeCeeBee]

Ill bet it came already on the computer (McAfee) and you registered on line with it etc.

 

I don't particularly like McAfee but they are big and reputable.

[nathanielho]

hmm, don't you think its a breach of privacy? For someone to be able to see the passwords that we use? Like you, I think many of us here also use the same password for multiple accounts ... I guess we just have to be more careful (don't use the same password for everything)

[struggling]

I have to agree with you, nathanielho. A breach of privacy. I've used the same password for many things for years. However, I'm very careful not to use it for anything even remotely financial in nature. And I change those financial passwords very frequently. Hmm..wonder if I'm not being careful enough? Guess I need to give that some thought.

[BeeCeeBee]

While I agree that we all must exercise extreme caution when using passwords we also have to understand that each time we use them there is always someone who has access.

 

This thread started with a question about a major company (McAfee) recording a password for the members protection. It clearly was not the work of a hacker.

 

I use the same password for many accounts that are of little significance. If you learn my password for igoogle you get "my yahoo" as well. Hope you enjoy them.

 

You will not, however get even close to my bank account or even Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help.

 

Having reread the initial post, however, I am very surprised that a company as reputable as McAfee (not a fan of their products) would give a password out over the phone.