Protect your account
The internet can be a risky place, so it's crucial to take steps to protect your account. Here are some tips and guidelines to help keep your account secure:
Remember to log out of your account before you leave the computer, even if it’s a home computer.
Never open an attachment from someone you don’t know. No matter how tempting! These can often contain viruses or spyware.
Never share your password with anyone! A Chess.com staff member will never ask for your password.
For MAXIMUM security, passwords should contain the following:
- Be at least 10 characters long
- Contain no words or names associated with you
- Be a mix of letters and numbers with no repeating characters
- Use capitalization and lowercase letters
- Include special characters such as ! > - + [ } @ * & ?Never send money or account information to a non-validated source. Memberships are bought through our membership page. A Chess.com staff member will never ask for your password, or ask for money directly.
If someone sends you a link, look carefully at the web address before clicking. If it is from someone you don't know, avoid clicking!
Never give out identifying information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number. This kind of information can be used to steal your accounts, not just your Chess.com account, but your bank, email or more! Keep that info to yourself!
What to do if your password was compromised
📝 Chess.com uses state-of-the-art password encryption, and while our website data has not been breached, a shared password can become public if one uses the same password on another website whose data has been breached.
If you believe your password was compromised, follow these steps to secure your account:
Run an anti-virus and anti-malware scan: Make sure your device is free of any harmful software, such as keyloggers or malware. Ensure your anti-virus program is up to date, and run a thorough scan on your device. While the likelihood of malware compromising your account is low, it’s always better to be safe.
Consider using a VPN with password protection: Many anti-virus programs, such as McAfee or Norton, offer VPN services that can provide an added layer of password protection. You can explore more options through a quick online search.
Monitor for data breaches: We recommend joining a service that notifies you if your email address is involved in a data breach. Many websites offer this service for free, and a quick search can help you find a reliable option.
Update your Chess.com password: Be sure to create a unique and secure password that you don’t use on any other site. Once updated, your Chess.com account should be secure.
Do you believe your account has been compromised?
If you suspect your password has been compromised and you’ve lost access to your account, please contact our Support team with your account details, and we’ll be happy to help you!