It’s World Password Day. Generate a fresh one.
Protect your Digital Life
Password security is something that many people have problems with. Having a secure password for each of your online accounts is important. Because if a scammer gets just one password, they can begin to access your other accounts. That’s why it’s important to have a strong, unique password for your digital life.
Next, weak passwords are a problem. But using the same password across multiple websites is an even bigger cybersecurity issue. So change your passwords. And change them frequently. Shield your accounts from hackers with strong, secure passwords. Make them easy to remember and hard to guess. Do not use birthdays, family member names, etc. Most importantly, never ever share your passwords.
81% of security breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. Change them regularly and make sure you keep them secure.
Tips for Strong Password Security:
- Avoid using words from the dictionary. Make up your own words instead.
- Avoid using personal information such as your mother’s maiden name or your birthday.
- Make sure it has a minimum of 8 characters and preferably 12 or more.
- Use symbols, both upper and lower case as well as spaces, with two words whenever possible.
- Use a combination of words or a phrase that is easy to associate in your mind and unique to you.
- Finally, use characters other than letters and numbers. These include _, #, &, $, etc. Password security is stronger the harder the password is to remember.
- Add 2-step verification anywhere it is permitted. 2-step verification is an extra security layer requiring code from another location. Yes, it is annoying. But having your accounts hacked or identity stolen will be much worse. So, enable it. There are many forms of 2-step verification, also called multi-factor authentication. Some of the options for the second layer of protection are security questions, fingerprint readers, authentication apps like Google Authenticator or text messages. With today’s threats, you need to ensure passwords aren’t the only thing standing between your data and cyber attackers.
- Work with a Managed Service Provider who provides Dark Web Monitoring for your business accounts and personal account for key owners and employees.
- https://www.passwordday.org/
- Use a Password Manager to secure your passwords. The same password manager can be used to help generate secure passwords and integrate into web browsers to help with the authentication process logging into websites.
Protect your devices
The best passwords in the world are of no use if you don’t secure the devices they are used on. If you have a PC, make sure that you have good a multi-layered security system in place including antivirus software and firewall with content management. Some pieces of malware, known as “keyboard loggers”, can record all of your keystrokes and enable hackers to crack your passwords. So keep your information safe and secure by keeping your security up to date by working with a Managed IT Service Provider specializing in Cyber Security like Profulgent Technology.
Give us a call today to learn more about our multi-layered approach to cybersecurity.
