Always set a complex passphrase within Bitcoin Core. Avoid simple passwords that are susceptible to dictionary or GPU-based cracking .

Even encrypted files are at risk. Attackers use tools to perform Padding Oracle Attacks or brute-force passwords if the encryption was weakened by older software vulnerabilities.

If you have found a legitimate wallet.dat file from your own past (e.g., on an old hard drive), you can recover it using these steps: How To Find Lost Bitcoins: The Ultimate Guide - Changelly