Buzz
If you can't recall the last time you changed your loyalty program passwords, it's crucial to update them now—or risk falling victim to hackers.
According to The New York Times, hackers are increasingly targeting loyalty programs, claiming our airline miles or hotel points to book free trips, exploiting our weak passwords that make it easier for them to steal our rewards.
Kevin Lee, a digital security expert at Sift, described loyalty programs as 'almost a honey pot for hackers.' These programs, which are easy to sign up for, protected by weak passwords, and often neglected by users, have become the path of least resistance. While the programs and their data hunger have grown, their security has not kept pace.
Hackers don't just go after high-value travel rewards. The NYT reports that one individual had 9,700 Buffalo Wild Wings points taken. As stated on BWW’s Blazin’ Rewards site, that’s enough for nine free lunches (excluding tax and tip) and a free order of street tacos.
While some loyalty programs may replace stolen rewards if reported, it’s still wise to use strong passwords whenever joining a rewards program and regularly update them—or use a password manager to simplify the process for you.
Ultimately, you don’t want someone else enjoying that flight, hotel stay, or plate of street tacos that you rightfully earned.
