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.

The post World Password Day: The importance of creating strong passwords appeared first on Social Plus.

Everything is online these days. From business information to personal information and even payment information, our lives are online. And although technology enriches our lives, it also leaves us vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

We understand that losing your account (no matter the size) is a scary thought. That’s why brushing up on your online safety is a lot less hassle than falling victim to cyber-attacks.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Setting up multi-factor authentication is arguably one of the best ways of keeping your online accounts safe. When you (or someone else) attempt to log into your account, you’ll be prompted to open multi-factor authentication.

Microsoft authenticator is an example of a multi-factor authenticator. However, there are many more out there.

Passwords

Use a password even when optional

I’m sure we’ve all heard the saying, ‘It’s better to be safe than sorry.’ This rings true when it comes to opting in for passwords.

Declining the password option may save you two minutes in the moment. However, it heightens the chances of someone else being able to access your accounts.

Change your password regularly

Changing your password regularly reduces the chances of someone else being able to access your accounts. Business devices usually have a monthly prompt encouraging employees to change their passwords. However, this should be standard for personal accounts too!

Set a reminder on your phone every 1-3 months to change all passwords. And don’t use the same password for multiple accounts!! This may seem convenient at the time but if a hacker can access one account, they can access them all.

Choose a unique password

We know we’re all guilty of using the classic ‘Password1234’ or the name of a family pet. It’s human nature to be compelled to pick something memorable. Even so, it’s important to remember the more simple the password, the more vulnerable your online accounts are.

Following best practices, we recommend using a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, use a mixture of numbers and letters and never include any personal information.

Be careful when clicking links!

It’s easy to be caught out by phishing emails. The way around this is to not just click any old link you get sent via email. If you receive an email from an unrecognisable address or something doesn’t feel right, don’t click on it! Delete the email and block the sender.

For employers, it’s a good idea to train your employees on how to spot phishing emails.

VPN

Make use of a VPN (virtual private network). I’m sure we’ve all connected to a free WIFI network when in a coffee shop or when running errands. However, you don’t know anything about the security of the connection.

It’s possible that someone else using the same network could start looking through or stealing data without your knowledge.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, routing it through a server owned by the VPN company. This means nobody can snoop through your data. In addition to this, using a VPN hides your IP address.

Are you a business looking to keep your accounts safe

As part of the Unite Group, we understand the many cyber threats that businesses are vulnerable to. That’s why, we believe it’s important to 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.

A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

Want to know more? Visit our website for more information!

Why not check out our socials – Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The post Keeping your online accounts safe: Got it on lock appeared first on Social Plus.

Each year, people from all over the world come together to spread awareness and celebrate Safer Internet Day.

In today’s day and age, people of all ages move towards a more digital way of life. From mobile phones to work laptops and gaming devices, electronic devices are intertwined with our daily lives.

Now more than ever, safe internet use and cybersecurity have never had such importance. So much of our personal and professional data can be accessed through the internet. This means internet safety and cyber security should be at the forefront of our minds.

Although technology keeps us entertained and makes our lives easier, it also has its complications.

Whilst individuals must follow best practices to protect themselves, businesses must do this to protect sensitive data. Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to reflect on how we can all promote the responsible use of technologies.

Does your business operate on safe practices?

Horizon WIFI

Is your public WIFI secure?

As the provider of public WIFI, do you have the correct measures in place? If not, this could leave you accountable for any illegal or inappropriate activity on your account.

Horizon public WIFI is traceable. This means you can provide a public wireless solution to your customers with peace of mind you are fully protected. If someone looks at inappropriate material, you can provide this information to the authorities. Furthermore, using content filtering you can prevent these people from ever getting access.

Here at Social Plus, we are part of The Unite Group. This means that as a group we can offer a range of technology solutions to help support your business. Our Horizon public WIFI product is secure, intelligent, and perfect for direct marketing.

Visit our website to learn more about Horizon WIFI or contact The Unite Group on 0191 466 1050.

Phishing Emails

It’s always important for both individuals and employees to be on the lookout for phishing emails. Phishing emails are categorised as a cybercrime that contacts its target via email. The sender uses this form of attack to gain and exploit personal or sensitive business information.

There are 3 types of phishing emails to look out for:

Spear phishing – an attempt directed at a particular individual or company.

Clone phishing – hackers use a legitimate, previously delivered, part of online correspondence to create almost identical emails.

Whaling – an attempt directed specifically at a senior executive or high-profile target within the business.

For businesses, it’s important to make sure employees are aware of phishing emails and how to spot them. As an individual, never click any links or give any personal information to a sender you are unsure of.

Weak Passwords

We understand that when it comes to creating a password, you want to make it something memorable. But if it’s easy for you to remember, it’s also easy for a hacker to guess.

A lot of people make their passwords something personal, for example, the name of a beloved family pet. However, we need to keep in mind that this information is easy to find. A lot of our personal information is easily accessible online via social media.

Strong passwords are essential in keeping private or sensitive data safe.

In the spirit of Safer Internet Day, why not double-check that your passwords comply with best practices?

We suggest you create strong passwords by following the below steps:

• Use a combination of upper-and lower case letters.
• Include numbers.
• Include special characters (symbols).
• Never include any personal information.
• Never use the same password for different applications.
• Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters long.

Cyber Essentials

As part of the Unite Group, we understand the many cyber threats that businesses face day in and day out.

We believe businesses should go the extra mile when it comes to cyber security. One way of doing this is to obtain the Cyber Essentials certification.

A foundation-level certificate protects your business from 80% of the most basic cyber security breaches.

You don’t need to be an experienced information security professional or have any technical knowledge to become Cyber Essentials certified; we can help! Our in-house qualified Cyber Essentials assessors are here to assist you throughout the entire process.

From hosted telephone systems to email; IT support to cloud services; leased lines to cybersecurity; to broadband.

We’ll set you up with quality, efficient, and cost-effective tech, and then we’ll keep it all running smoothly.

Visit our website for more information.

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