In the rush to find new opportunities, many job seekers unknowingly put their personal information at risk. Signing up on multiple job portals, registering with recruitment agencies, and linking accounts to different apps might feel like progress. But every new login you create can become an entry point for hackers if left unchecked.

That is why this weekend, it is important to pause your job search for just a few minutes and take two simple but crucial steps to safeguard your digital presence.

1. Review Third-Party Access to Your Email

Your email account is the backbone of your job search. Almost every job portal and recruitment agency account you create is connected to it. Over time, you may have granted access to dozens of apps and services without realizing it.

Go into your email settings and check which apps, products, and services currently have permission to use your account. Remove any that you do not recognize or no longer use. Even a single compromised connection could expose your personal data, CV, or confidential communications with recruiters.

Think of it this way: if a hacker finds a weak lock on just one door, they can eventually enter the entire house. Do not let that door be your email.

2. Reset Your Password and Store It Safely

Many job seekers reuse the same password across multiple platforms for convenience. While this might save time, it also increases your vulnerability. Imagine signing up for 10 job portals and 20 recruitment company accounts. If one of those websites is breached, all of your accounts are at risk.

This weekend, create a strong, unique password for your email account. Use a secure digital wallet or password manager to store it safely instead of trying to remember it or writing it down on paper. A password manager ensures that you can generate complex passwords without the fear of forgetting them.

A hacked account can do more damage than you think. Beyond losing access to your email, you risk leaking personal documents, contact information, and even sensitive conversations with potential employers. This not only harms your job search but can also damage your professional reputation.

Taking just 15 minutes this weekend to review your email security and reset your password can save you months of stress later. Job hunting is already challenging. Do not let cyber risks add to the struggle. Protect your accounts, protect your identity, and stay one step ahead of threats.

Your next job opportunity should be the only thing on your mind, not recovering from a hacked account.

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