Did you know that on average every person uses the same three to seven passwords to log in for all their various accounts? Aside from being constantly reused, these passwords are often not strong enough to prevent cyber criminals from easily being able to guess them. Worse, you may not know that your password has been compromised for several months or years. Creating a strong password helps prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your online accounts.
To keep your passwords private and safe from cybercriminals, follow the tips below:
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1. Use A Personalized Sentence Instead Of Complex Letters & Characters
Instead of trying to remember a complicated string of letters, numbers, and symbols, create a memorable sentence that includes some personal detail. This can be something like “My dog’s name is Charlie and he loves to play fetch.” By including personal details, you can make your passphrase more memorable while still making it difficult to guess.
2. Make Sure Your Passphrase Is At Least Seven Words Long
The longer your passphrase, the more difficult it will be for someone to guess or crack it. Aim for at least seven words in your passphrase to increase its strength.
3. Don't Use Any Common, Simple, Or Known Phrases
Avoid using common phrases or quotes, as these are easily guessable by hackers. Similarly, don’t use easily guessable personal information like your birthdate or pet’s name.
4. Use A Different Passphrase For Each Account
Using the same passphrase for multiple accounts puts you at risk of multiple account breaches if one passphrase is compromised. Use a unique passphrase for each account to minimize your risk.
5. Use A Password Manager, Protected By A Strong Passphrase
Password managers are a secure way to store and generate unique passphrases for each account. Make sure to use a strong passphrase to protect your password manager.
6. Change Your Passphrase Every Year
Regularly changing your passphrase adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Consider changing your passphrase every year to stay ahead of potential security breaches.
7. Make Sure You Use A Different Passphrase At Work Than You Do At Home
Just like using unique passphrases for each account, using a different passphrase for work and personal accounts helps minimize your risk of a breach.
8. Make Sure That Your Accounts Lock For 15 Minutes After 5 Failed Login Attempts
Enabling account lockouts after a certain number of failed login attempts can help protect your accounts from brute force attacks. Make sure your accounts are set up to lock out for at least 15 minutes after 5 failed login attempts to keep them secure.
If you are struggling with your passwords, experiencing cybersecurity threats or need help to get your security back on track, contact the professionals at KT Connections.
