Secure Password Practices Everyone Should Know
Whether you’re on a mobile device, laptop, or PC platform, having a strong password is an essential skill for the modern age. Our professional and personal lives both integrate tech to some degree, and that means maintaining secure accounts.
This is where passwords come in. The first line of defense against cyberattacks is your login information.
As a result, there are some good practices you should follow when creating logins. Some websites make these techniques mandatory, so you’ve probably encountered them already. For safeguarding both personal and professional data, there are a few things to keep in mind when creating passwords.
1. Avoid simple logins. The most basic tip is to avoid basic passwords. Simple words or short phrases aren’t healthy for a secure cyber environment.
In fact, often when people think they’ve been “hacked,” the reality is someone was savvy enough to guess their password based on a few clues. Therefore, don’t use common names, especially if they’re short.
2. Add numbers and capital letters. Yes, it’s irritating to do this – what happens if you can’t remember your login? But the reality is adding numbers and/or capital letters in your password is a good habit. Most secure websites require it; your workplace probably will, and it makes your password random enough to thwart many would-be attackers.
Granted, make it easy enough for you to still remember, but sprucing up a security phrase with numbers and capitals is often the difference between a compromised device and a safe one.
3. Avoid similar passwords. While you don’t necessarily need to have a different password for every single login, it helps to have different passwords for different devices, apps, and websites.
For example, your bank account login should definitely be different than a login to your Netflix or YouTube account. That’s because if a hacker happens to steal one, they can access everything you’ve got if they’re the same. And they will try.
4. Never use defaults. The factory default password is something that you should absolutely change, particularly when dealing with devices like routers or modems, which will have a simple login like “admin” or “password.”
5. Keep them out of sight. Don’t ever write your passwords down in a notepad document or physical media. Instead, create clues to the passwords themselves if you want to record reminders.
Easy enough right? The reason for password complexity is because hackers – while guessing – often employ brute force software and hacking tools which slam logins with thousands of phrases. It’s why websites often lock you out after several incorrect guesses, so an automated program can’t just go through its motions of guessing.
Therefore, to beat the increasingly sophisticated malicious software, get creative, and remember these safe password practices.
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