Email accounts contain some of our most sensitive personal data – account info, financial records, personal communications, and more. That‘s why keeping our inboxes secure should be a top priority.
And one of the best ways to boost email security? Changing passwords routinely.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll show you step-by-step how to change your AOL account password straight from your iPhone. I‘ll also provide best practices any AOL user should know to keep their account hack-proof and their data safe from prying eyes.
Why Password Changes Are Essential
Before we dig into the nitty gritty details, let‘s look at some eye-opening statistics that reveal why regularly changing your AOL password is so critical:
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According to Norton Security, around 10 million Americans fall victim to identity theft annually. Most could have prevented it with better password hygiene.
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Per McAfee, there was a 642% increase in cyber espionage incidents directed at everyday citizens between 2018 and today. Routine password changes significantly lower your chances of being targeted.
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Researchers have discovered over 80 billion credentials for sale on the dark web. And many belong to AOL accounts. Updating your password makes any stolen credentials useless.
With email being a gateway to so much of our sensitive information, it pays to be cautious. Something as simple as changing your AOL password every 90 days can save you a massive headache.
Next, let‘s look at why passwords get compromised so easily before I walk you through exactly how to change them.
Why Passwords Get Cracked Easily
Understanding password cracking tactics is key to improving your password strategy. According to numerous cybersecurity firms, here are the top ways hackers actually gain access to accounts:
Guessing weak passwords: The vast majority of people use simple password combinations focused on dictionary words, names, birthdays or phrases. These are easy for hacking software to guess correctly.
Phishing for passwords: Clever phishing emails trick users into revealing usernames and passwords. They look like real messages but contain links to fake login pages that steal logins.
Keylogging malware: Malware programs can record keystrokes entered on devices. So they capture passwords as they‘re typed, even on secure sites.
Breached databases: Usernames and passwords stolen in past breaches get sold on the dark web. Hackers then try email and password combinations until they gain access.
Unauthorized password resets: By resetting your password after stealing backup email addresses or answering security questions, hackers assign new passwords.
The takeaway? Routine password changes significantly reduce the odds of a breach.
Now let‘s get into the step-by-step process for updating that all-important AOL password on your iPhone.
Walkthrough: Changing Your AOL Password on iPhone
Ready to change your AOL password to a new ultra-secure option? Just follow these simple iPhone steps:
Step 1: Navigate to AOL.com
Open the Safari browser app on your iPhone and enter www.aol.com in the address bar at the top. Hit enter to be taken to the AOL website.
Step 2: Sign In to Your Account
In the top right corner of the screen, click the blue Sign In button. On the sign in page that appears, enter your current AOL email address and account password.
Step 3: Access Account Settings
Once signed in, tap the circular account icon next to the search bar to open your account menu. On the menu, choose Account Settings.
[INSERT IMAGE]Step 4: Select Account Security
In Account Settings, tap to open the Account Security tab.
[INSERT IMAGE]Step 5: Tap "Change Password"
Scroll down until you see the blue Change Password button. Tap it to proceed to the reset screen.
[INSERT IMAGE]Step 6: Enter & Confirm New Password
You‘ll be prompted to enter your new password twice. Be sure your new password is long, complex, and meets all on-screen requirements.
[INSERT IMAGE]Step 7: Click "Continue"
Double check your new credential and then tap the blue Continue button to finalize the password change.
And that‘s it! To confirm, sign out of AOL entirely and sign back in with your shiny new password.
Choosing a Secure AOL Password
When creating a new password during a reset, be sure you:
✔️ Use 14+ characters
✔️ Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols
✔️ Avoid dictionary words or personal info
✔️ Don‘t reuse old passwords
Here are some examples of super strong passwords:
P@$$w0rd37@aol!
RanDom85_Str0ng!^pw
Using a password manager also helps generate and save complex credentials. I recommend 1Password or LastPass.
Enabling Two-Factor Authentication
In addition to changing your password routinely, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is crucial.
With 2FA, AOL will require both your password AND a special single-use code to login. So even if hackers steal your password, they can‘t access your account.
Turn this extra protection on by:
- Visiting your AOL Account Security settings
- Choosing Two-Step Verification
- Following the setup instructions
This adds just seconds to your login process but a whole extra layer of security. Definitely worth doing!
[INSERT IMAGE OF 2FA IN AOL]Now let‘s tackle some frequently asked questions about the password change process and AOL security best practices.
FAQs: Changing AOL Passwords and Account Security
Still have some lingering questions about changing your AOL password safely and keeping your account secure? Here are answers to some common queries:
How often should I update my AOL password?
For ideal security, change your AOL password every 90 days at a minimum. Every 30 days is even better!
Can I reset my AOL password on mobile?
Yes, the password change process works the same whether you use an iPhone, Android device, iPad, or desktop computer with a web browser.
What if I forget my password?
On the AOL login page, click "Forgot password?" then follow prompts to reset it. But be prepared to verify your identity.
Can I set up fingerprint or face recognition login?
Yes! For added convenience, head to AOL‘s settings menu and enable fingerprint or face ID login under "Connected Services".
How do I know if my account was hacked?
AOL will email you notifications of password changes or login attempts from unknown devices. Pay attention to these! Enabling alerts is wise.
I always recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to account security. Enable every protection available, change passwords routinely, and monitor account activity vigilantly.
Closing Thoughts
As hacking attempts become more frequent and advanced, taking proactive measures to lock down accounts is crucial. Something as simple as periodically changing your AOL password limits the odds of compromise significantly.
So be sure to change your AOL email password every few months. Enable two-step verification while you‘re at it!
With strong, routinely updated credentials plus robust protections like 2FA in place, you can rest easy knowing your email is safe from unauthorized access.
Have you changed your AOL password recently? Planning to after reading this guide? Share your thoughts on email security and password best practices below!
