Strong Passwords Save You: A Guide to Securing Your Login
Simple passwords don’t cut it anymore. In today’s online world, our accounts hold a treasure trove of personal information. From bank accounts to social media profiles, keeping these accounts secure is crucial. One data breach can put all your accounts at risk. What is the best defense? Strong passwords. Here are some tips on the simplest way to protect yourself.
Creating a Password:
- Length is Key: Move away from using your cat’s name followed by a special character. Try a passphrase! String together unrelated words to create a long, memorable phrase. Aim for at least 12 characters.
- Change it Up: Never reuse passwords across different accounts. Imagine a site you use has a data breach. Suddenly, that hacker has your info and can test your password on other sites. Different passwords can help prevent the loss of more information.
- Let Technology Help: Consider using password managers. These tools generate strong, unique passwords for each account and securely store them, so you only need to remember one master password.
Beyond the Password:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is Your Friend: Enable MFA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code after entering your password.
- Beware the Phish: Don’t reveal your passwords in response to suspicious emails. Scammers like to mark emails as “urgent” to create a state of panic. Take a moment to double check the sender’s email. Even if it’s a few characters off from who they are claiming to be, don’t trust it. When in doubt, don’t click any suspicious links or attachments. You can go to websites directly to change your password instead of using a link.
By following these practices, you can create a formidable shield against cyber threats. Remember, strong passwords are an essential part of online safety. Contact us at [email protected] to find out other ways you can protect yourself.