These zombies are real and you may have some (4 min read)
Everyone knows what a Zombie is, but these Zombies are real and they are leaving your personal info exposed.
Zombie Accounts: What They Are and Why They Matter
A 2024 NordPass study revealed that the average internet user has 168 online accounts, many of which are inactive but still hold personal info like emails, mailing addresses, and passwords. These dormant accounts, known as "zombie accounts," leave you vulnerable to data theft.
Here’s a quick guide to help you find and delete these accounts for better online security.
How to Find Your Zombie Accounts
- Check Your Web Browser Password Manager:
See the image below to access your Chrome password manager.
Once you click the “Password Manager” link you will be able to view any passwords you have saved in Chrome.
Make a list of passwords and accounts you no longer use
You will come back to that list to delete your zombie accounts
Note: The “Checkup” link on the left-hand side will show you if any of your passwords have been compromised in a data breach.
If any of your passwords have been compromised change them immediately
Make sure the same password is not used on any other accounts
To check your passwords on Safari
Click the settings icon then click the password link. Here you will be able to see all your saved passwords, and if they have been involved in a data breach.
Write down any passwords for accounts you no longer use
If any of your passwords are compromised, change them and make sure they are not used on other accounts
- Check Your Phone’s Password Manager:
For Apple Devices
Open Settings
Scroll to Passwords
Input your code, fingerprint, or facial ID
Review accounts for continued use
Add any accounts and passwords that you no longer use to your list of zombie accounts
For Android Devices
Navigate to your password manager (under Settings or Google account)
Review saved accounts
Add any accounts and passwords that you no longer use to your list of zombie accounts
- Check applications:
Check for linked apps or services with other networks
Google>Manage Your Google Account>Security>Your connections to third party apps & services
Facebook click profile picture>Settings & privacy>Settings>Apps and websites
Add any accounts you connected with Facebook and google that you no longer use to your list
- Review Marketing Emails:
If you receive promotional emails from brands or websites you don’t use, it’s likely you’ve created an account with them
Add these to your list of zombie accounts
- How to Delete Your Zombie Accounts:
Manually Delete Accounts
Log into each site using the passwords from your web browser or phone
Navigate to the “Delete Account” page and follow the steps to remove your account
Use the Permission Slip App to Save Time
Download the free Permission Slip app
Select a company with which you have a zombie account
Follow the steps to delete your account quickly (up to 350 sites supported)
Confirm account deletion via email
Learn more about Permission Slip at www.permissionslipcr.com/faq.php.
Pro Tip:
Ensure that passwords for financial institutions are unique and not used anywhere else.
Take control of your online security today!
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