How secure is yahoo mail

The security of Yahoo Mail has been a concern for many years, and it's still a topic of discussion. Here's a summary of the current state of Yahoo Mail's security:

Past security issues:

  1. Data breaches: Yahoo suffered two massive data breaches in 2013 and 2014, which affected over 3 billion user accounts. The breaches exposed sensitive information, including usernames, passwords, dates of birth, and security questions.
  2. Weak password storage: Yahoo stored passwords in plaintext, making it easy for hackers to access them.
  3. Lack of two-factor authentication: Yahoo didn't offer two-factor authentication (2FA) as an option for users, making it easier for hackers to gain access to accounts.

Current security measures:

  1. Two-factor authentication: Yahoo now offers 2FA, which requires users to enter a verification code sent to their phone or email address in addition to their password.
  2. Password hashing: Yahoo uses a more secure method to store passwords, known as bcrypt, which makes it more difficult for hackers to access them.
  3. Encryption: Yahoo uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data transmitted between users' devices and Yahoo's servers.
  4. Regular security updates: Yahoo regularly updates its security systems and patches vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation.
  5. Account monitoring: Yahoo monitors user accounts for suspicious activity and alerts users to potential security threats.

Remaining concerns:

  1. Legacy account issues: Yahoo still has a large number of legacy accounts that may not have been updated with modern security measures.
  2. Third-party access: Yahoo allows third-party apps to access user data, which can increase the risk of data breaches.
  3. Phishing attacks: Yahoo is still vulnerable to phishing attacks, which can trick users into revealing their login credentials.

Recommendations:

  1. Enable two-factor authentication: If you haven't already, enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your Yahoo account.
  2. Use a strong password: Choose a unique and complex password for your Yahoo account.
  3. Monitor your account activity: Regularly check your account activity to detect any suspicious behavior.
  4. Use a reputable antivirus software: Install antivirus software to protect your device from malware that could compromise your Yahoo account.
  5. Consider alternative email services: If you're concerned about Yahoo's security, consider switching to a more secure email service, such as Gmail or ProtonMail.

In summary, while Yahoo Mail has taken steps to improve its security, it's still important to be cautious and take additional measures to protect your account.