Today we celebrate World Password Day by reminding you of the importance of using strong passwords. On May 4th every year people are encouraged to change or check the security of their passwords.
Password basics
Gone are the days of using the name of your beloved family pet followed by the year for your password. We all know our personal data is important, but you might not realise how easily it can be stolen without a good password in place.
Most operating systems now offer an easy solution to creating and storing passwords for you. An example of this is Apple’s “keychain access” which allows you to save and autofill your passwords on your main devices. This is usually locked behind “Face ID” or another password.
More secure passwords
You can also go online to generate passwords that are practically uncrackable by hackers. While these aren’t usually the easiest to remember, they are safe!
‘G59*BtC/&W.HQp/’e{:y]’ is the new ‘Louise1989.’ Remember you can use the software built into your devices to remember them for you. Just make sure you keep that safe!
Additionally, remember using the same passwords for everything isn’t safe either! If you protect your: Email, online banking, social media, and online shopping accounts all with one password, it means cybercriminals can access all of them just by cracking one password. This leaves you at risk of financial loss, fraud, extortion, and even Identity theft! So, make sure you use safe passwords, and add some variation!
Two Factor Authentication
Another way of securing your accounts is Two Factor Authentication (2FA). 2FA is having something in place to verify it is you signing into your account even if the correct password is used. This could be getting a code via text message or email that you need to input when you log in to confirm it is you.
Compromised passwords
Checking if your data has been in a breach already is super important too. Some of your account details and passwords may already be for sale due to a previous data breach of a site you’ve signed into. You are now able to check if your email has previously been compromised and therefore your passwords. If your email and password have been flagged as compromised, you should change them immediately.
Use different passwords for each service you use
- Use a password manager to store all of your passwords.
- Use different passwords for each service you use.
- Don’t use the same password for two services, even if they’re related (for example, don’t use the same password for both Facebook and Instagram).
- Don’t use your email address or name as a password (it’s too easy to guess).
- Don’t use common words that could be found in any dictionary–especially when those words are part of something personal about yourself (like your birthday).
Need some help protecting your business from cyber threats?
Here at Social Plus, we are part of The Unite Group. It is for this reason that we understand the many cyber threats businesses face daily.
The importance of Cyber Security has grown exponentially in the past few years and has never been more important. That’s why we believe businesses should go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. With this in mind, we offer Cyber Essentials.
Cyber Essentials is a Government-backed and industry-supported scheme that allows businesses to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.
Our team are fully qualified Cyber Essentials practitioners and therefore can assess your application as well as guide you through the process. We manage the entire process for you from the initial audit, remedial works, and certificate issue.
Want to know more? Visit our website for more information!
Why not check out our socials – Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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