What is a major risk of using the same password across multiple sites?

• A. It simplifies password management
• B. It allows users to easily remember their passwords
• C. If one site is compromised, all accounts using that password may also be at risk
• D. It increases the security of the accounts

Answer: (C)

Using the same password across multiple sites presents a significant risk because if one site is compromised, it can lead to a domino effect where all accounts using that same password become vulnerable. This is because hackers often take the harvested username-password combinations from a breach and attempt them on other services, exploiting the likelihood that users have reused passwords. Therefore, a single breach can jeopardize multiple accounts, potentially exposing sensitive information and leading to identity theft or unauthorized access across various platforms.

The other options, while they highlight some perceived benefits of using a single password for multiple sites, do not address the critical security implications. Simplifying password management or ease of recall can lead to negligence regarding account security, making the same password a liability rather than an asset. Thus, the importance of unique passwords for each account cannot be overstated in maintaining overall security.