For most of us, most of our personal and professional information resides online, and so the strength of our passwords is paramount. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s more important than ever to adopt best practices to protect ourselves from potential breaches and identity theft. So, let’s delve into some quick tips for creating and managing strong passwords.
Best Practice Tips For Secure Passwords
Use Complex Passwords: Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password”. The chances are that if you do try to use something along these lines, you might even get a warning to tell you not to use easy, common passwords like this eg ‘This password is too easily guessed!’. Instead, opt for complex combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a phrase that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
Use Unique Passwords for Each Account: Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is a common pitfall. I know that most of us will be guilty of this, at least across a few platforms, but if one account is compromised, all linked accounts become vulnerable. Instead, create unique passwords for each account to mitigate the risk. Remembering multiple passwords can be difficult, but you could stick to common themes when making them, such as the order of words and then numbers, to help.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password but also a secondary form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. Enable 2FA wherever possible to enhance your account security. We’ve written a blog on 2FA, also known as Multi-Factor Authentication, which will give you a good understanding of why it’s useful, without the jargon!
Regularly Update Passwords: Periodically changing your passwords can help thwart potential threats. Aim to update your passwords every few months or at least immediately after any security incident. There’s even a ‘National Password Day’ which acts as a reminder on an annual basis for everyone!
Utilise Password Managers: Password managers are convenient tools that securely store and manage your passwords. They generate strong, unique passwords for each account and automatically fill them in when needed. It makes signing in a whole lot easier, a lot of the time! No more remembering complex passwords for all of your logins, hurrah!
Stay Vigilant Against Phishing: Be wary of phishing attempts, where malicious actors attempt to trick you into divulging your login credentials. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information in response to unsolicited emails or messages. Need more information on the world of phishing? Head over to our blog post!
Conclusion:
By following these best practices and remaining vigilant against cyber threats, we can better protect ourselves and our sensitive information online. Remember, a strong password is the first line of defence against unauthorised access, so invest the time and effort to secure your online accounts. If you’re needing some help with your IT – be it cyber security, GDPR or something else, reach out to us here.
