7 Best practices for creating strong passwords and securing them
In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. We use it to communicate, work, shop, and have fun. With so much of our lives connected to the digital world, we must protect our online accounts from cyber-attacks. One of the most effective ways to do this is by using strong passwords. Despite the many security measures available to protect your online accounts, the password remains the first line of defense against unauthorized access. In this article, we will discuss best practices for creating strong passwords and securing them from malicious actions.
- Use a unique password for each account
Using the same password for multiple accounts can leave you vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If one password is compromised, malicious users can gain access to all your accounts using that password. It is important to use a unique password for each account to limit the potential damage of a compromised password.
2. Avoid common passwords
Malicious cyber users can easily guess common passwords such as “password”, “123456” or “qwerty”. Instead, create a strong password that includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This will make it very difficult for them to guess your password and gain access to your accounts.
3. Avoid using personal information
Avoid using personal information such as your name, date of birth, or address in your passwords. A malicious user can easily find this information and use it to guess your passwords. Instead, use a combination of random words or phrases that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to guess.
4. Use a password manager
Managing multiple unique passwords can be difficult, which is why password managers are an essential tool for achieving stronger password security. A password manager can help you create and store unique, strong passwords for all of your online accounts. It also provides the ability to auto-complete login credentials for you, saving you time and effort. Make sure you choose a reliable password manager with strong security features, such as two-factor authentication.
5. Use automated password creation tools
Automated password creation tools are a very useful option for creating strong and unique passwords. These tools can create complex passwords with a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. They even allow you to set specific requirements, such as the length of the password and the inclusion of certain characters. It’s important to choose a reliable tool, especially when using it online as some may not have strong enough encryption or may belong to malicious cyber users.
Remember that even if you use an automated tool to create your passwords, it’s still important to follow best practices to keep your passwords secure, such as using a password manager and avoiding password sharing.
6. Do not share passwords
Sharing passwords with others can compromise your online security. Avoid sharing passwords with friends, family members or colleagues and never share passwords by email or text. If you must share login credentials, use a secure password manager that allows you to share passwords with specific users.
7. Regularly update your passwords
Regularly updating your passwords is an important step in maintaining strong password security. It is recommended that you update your passwords every six months to a year. This will ensure that your passwords are up to date and reduce the risk of them being compromised.
And certainly don’t forget that using multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) combined with a strong password is an excellent way to improve your online security. MFA/2FA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code generated by an app on your phone.
This means that even if a malicious user manages to obtain your password, they will not be able to access your account without additional authentication. It’s important to enable MFA/2FA on all your important accounts, such as email, bank accounts, and social media accounts. Many sites and services now offer MFA/2FA as an option and it’s usually easy to set up.
If you are looking for a reliable MFA/2FA solution, consider using the Cisco Duo. Duo is a popular MFA/2FA solution that offers a wide range of features, including push notifications and SMS passwords. Duo is easy to set up and use and integrates seamlessly with a variety of applications and services. Using a reliable MFA/2FA solution like Duo can help protect you from cyber threats and keep your data safe.
In conclusion, following best practices for creating and managing strong passwords is essential in today’s digital age. Using weak passwords can leave you or your business vulnerable to several cybersecurity threats, such as phishing scams, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. A compromised password can have serious consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage. By applying the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these types of attacks and better protect your online accounts and sensitive data.
