cybersecurity
Let’s Get Stronger
No, we’re not talking about hitting the gym. We’re talking about strong, secure passwords.
In a time where cybersecurity breaches are all too common, protecting your online accounts with strong, secure passwords is more crucial than ever. However, creating a password that is both strong and memorable can be a challenge for some. Here are some tips to help you craft a robust password that will keep your accounts safe from scammers:
- Length Matters: Aim for a password that is at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords are inherently more secure as they provide a larger pool of possible combinations, making them harder for hackers to crack through brute force attacks.
- Mix it Up: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your password. Avoid using easily guessable patterns or sequences, such as “123456” or “password”. Instead, opt for a random arrangement of characters to enhance the complexity of your password.
- Avoid Personal Information: Refrain from using easily discoverable information such as your name, birthdate, or commonly used words related to your interests or hobbies. Hackers often employ social engineering tactics to guess passwords based on personal details, so it’s best to choose something entirely unrelated to your identity.
- Unique for Each Account: Avoid the temptation to use the same password across multiple accounts. If one of your accounts is compromised, using the same password for other accounts puts them all at risk. Instead, create unique passwords for each account to minimize the potential fallout of a security breach.
- Consider “Passphrases”: Consider using a passphrase—a series of random words strung together—as your password. Passphrases are typically easier to remember than traditional passwords while still offering robust security. Just be sure to avoid using well-known phrases or quotes that could be easily guessed.
- Regularly Update and Rotate: Make it a habit to periodically update your passwords and avoid reusing old ones. We recommend setting a reminder to change your passwords every 90 to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to your accounts.
By following these guidelines, you can create strong, secure passwords that provide an added layer of defense against cyber threats. Another tip, password managers can be helpful tools to securely organize all your passwords in one place. Do some research to see if a password manager might be right for you.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.