The key to the security of your online account, Netflix account, and email inbox depends on how well you have created and stored your passwords. Weak passwords can have serious outcomes, like leaked personal information or worse, an identity theft. So, read this article to learn how to build and safeguard the most secure passwords.
Use a Password Manager
A secure password consists of eight characters. Thus, making the password hard to guess and include a variety of characters, numbers, and special symbols. The uncrackable ones will be tough to remember, especially if you are using a different login for every site. This is where password managers come in.
A trusted password manager can generate and save strong, lengthy passwords for you. They work on your phone and laptop.
The catch here is, you will still have to remember a single master password that unlocks all other passwords stored inside the manager.
Write Down Your Login Credentials
Although this advice is contrary to everything that you have been told about protecting yourself online, however, writing down your login information on a physical sheet of paper is far more viable.
We are not talking about a Word file or a Google spreadsheet, but we are suggesting the use of real, old-fashioned paper.
It is recommended that you keep this paper in a safe place that is out of everyone’s sight. Restrict the number of people who know that you have maintained such a sheet and where it is kept.
Avoid Common Words and Combinations in Your Password
It would be completely wicked of you to use your name, nickname, the name of your pet, your birthday or anniversary, your street name or anything linked with you that someone could discover from social media, or through a simple talk with a stranger on an airplane or at the bar.
So, the goal here is to create a password that no one would be able to guess or know.
Longer Passwords Are Better
The security experts advise using passphrases composed of three or four unconnected words. Such long logins are difficult to hack as well as learn. But you have your password manager to make the learning easy.
Don’t Recycle Your Passwords
It can’t be focussed enough on the fact that reusing passwords over different accounts is a disastrous idea. If someone taps your reused password for one account, they have gained the key to all other accounts you use.
A hacker won’t be able to get through all your accounts if you have set-up a unique password for each of your accounts.
No Need to Periodically Reset Your Password
Microsoft itself recommends that you don’t need to change your password after every 60 days unless you doubt your password has been exposed. The reason being, many of us would settle into the habit of creating easy-to-remember passwords because of being forced to change the passwords after a few months.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even if someone obtains your password through the data breach or malicious hack, you can still keep your account safe with two-factor authentication (2FA). This acts as a security guard and asks you to enter the second piece of information that only you have. Now, this information is usually a one-time code that is to be entered before the app or service logs you in.
Most certainly, these practices will help you in minimizing the risk of your data being exposed. So, make sure you follow these bits of advice and stay secure on the web.
source: https://global-address.com/blog/best-rules-to-create-strong-passwords/
