Everyone knows the importance of good password hygiene. It is essential to protect your passwords, yet few of us take the most basic steps to protect our online security. Poor password habits, such as reusing passwords, makes it easy for hackers to access critical data.
Increase Security with Stronger Passwords
Much of your personal information is stored either on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Today, most personal information is stored on computers, phones, or tablets. Knowing how to protect your information is important, not just for individuals but for organizations, as well. One critical step in protecting that information is to create long, random and unique passwords.
- Use a long passphrase with 12 or more characters. Use the longest password or passphrase permissible. For example, you can use a passphrase such as a news headline or even the title of the last book you read.
- Don’t make passwords easy to guess. Do not include personal information in your password such as your name or pets’ names. This information is often easy to find on social media, making it easier for cybercriminals to hack your accounts.
- Keep your passwords to yourself. Don't tell anyone your passwords and be aware of scams trying to trick you into revealing your passwords through email or by phone. Every time you share or reuse a password, it chips away at your security by opening more ways with which it could be misused or stolen.
- Use unique passwords. Having different passwords for various accounts helps prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to these accounts and protects you in the event of a breach.
- Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use characters that are permissable and randomize how your password is made (i.e., "3 for e/E" "@ for a/A" "! for i/I").
To Be Brief
Treating your passwords like your underwear can help prevent your information from getting in the wrong hands.
1. Change them regularly.
2. Never share them with others.
3. Keep them off your desk.
Keeping your passwords safe and secure is important in your personal life, and in your work life. Adhering to password best practices requires constant vigilance and effort on your part. Here are a couple other blogs regarding password security that we invite you to review:
