Let’s face it – we take our passwords too lightly. Everyone has been through this: the same password for several accounts to make it easier to remember. And since no one has done anything wrong with our accounts so far, we consider our passwords reliable.
We hasten to disappoint – this is not so. Now almost any novice hacker can brute-force your password. Some information security experts claim that it is possible to pick up the password of an average user in about three hours.
What makes a password secure?
A strong password is a long password. Experts recommend using a password of at least 12 characters, but the longer it is, the better.
Create complex passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
But even the best, complex passwords become less reliable over time. To stay safe, don’t forget to change your password more often.
Remember: a memorable password is a weak password. Do not use as part of the password your street address, first/ last name, name of your favorite dog and other information that is easy to find out about you.
Also, try not to use consecutive letters and numbers on the keyboard. It is through them that the attackers first of all pass.
Why is a strong password important?
A strong password ensures your security on the Internet. Brute force attacks and various data leaks occur every day, affecting both home and work accounts. Therefore, each account needs a unique password that can protect your personal data and finances.
Should I use password managers?
Using password managers is a very good idea. The password manager will help you to change passwords on accounts in a timely manner and will automatically offer to set a strong password for a new account.
The sweetest: 12 chips we promised
- Use password managers. This is the easiest way to ensure the security of your accounts. The application will automatically generate passwords and change them in a timely manner.
- Do not use a password that is easy to remember. Remember: the most secure password should not contain any information about you, especially if it is easy to find on the Internet.
- Create unique passwords from sentences by simply inserting the first letters of each word into them. Feel free to add numbers and additional symbols!
- Mix at least four random words in the password. Choosing random words usually works great because their sequence is illogical.
- Do not use the same password in different places, for example, at work and at home.
- Do not tell anyone your passwords at all.
- Do not keep a file on your computer, tablet or phone where you save your passwords.
- Use multi-factor authentication.
- Think when you come up with an answer to a security question. Hackers can easily find the answer to them. For example, it may take attackers just a few minutes to find out your mother’s maiden name.
- After changing your password, never use it for other accounts again.
- Protect your computer from cyber threats by installing an antivirus and regularly applying new updates to your software.
- Look carefully at the URLs of the sites you visit. Often attackers fake them to deceive their victims.
Let’s summarize the results
Perhaps you are already worried if you have never used the chips that we have listed above before. But so that you know where to start, let’s repeat the most useful tips again:
Use password managers;
Add lowercase, uppercase letters, as well as numbers and symbols to passwords;
Mix words in passwords, complicating them in every possible way;
Don’t give passwords any meaning;
Make your passwords long.