Most passwords fail to meet basic security standards, leaving them vulnerable to hacking. This increases the risk of data breaches, financial theft, and unauthorized access to private files.
Creating a strong password is simple by following a few key rules that significantly enhance security. Learn how to create robust passwords and use a secure password manager in this article.
Has My Account Been Hacked?
First, check if your accounts have been compromised. Use the website haveibeenpwned to see if your email address has been leaked in hacker attacks. If it has, start by changing your passwords in the services mentioned in the report.
How to Check if Your Email Has Been Hacked
The website haveibeenpwned allows you to verify for free whether your email address (personal or business) has been part of a data leak. If so, begin by changing your passwords for the affected accounts.
How to Create a Strong and Secure Password?
Surprisingly, passwords like ‘123456’, ‘QWERTY’, ‘password’, or ‘Admin’ are still common. Avoid using such obvious phrases, as password-cracking programs often use popular terms.
1. Most Common Passwords
Using obvious and popular phrases as passwords is not recommended. They are easily cracked, exposing your account to hackers.
2. Creating a Long Password
A longer password is harder to decrypt. Aim for a password with 8 to 14 characters.
3. Using Numbers, Symbols, and Both Upper and Lowercase Letters
A complex password is harder to crack. Use a mix of character types for added security.
4. Avoid Using Personal Information
Safe passwords should not include easily guessable personal information like your name, surname, birth date, company name, or address.
5. Unique Password for Each Account
Just as you wouldn’t use one key for all locks, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. In case of a breach, this limits the damage. Manage multiple passwords with a password manager, which you’ll read more about later.
6. Regularly Change Your Passwords
Even strong passwords can become vulnerable. Change them at least once a year, and more frequently for critical accounts like online banking and work emails. If you suspect a breach or find your data on haveibeenpwned, change your passwords immediately.
7. Keep Your Passwords in a Safe Place
Proper storage of your passwords is crucial. Remembering them is best, but impractical for many accounts. Writing them down is risky and insecure.
Using a Password Manager
A password manager helps you securely create, store, and manage passwords for various accounts like software, emails, online banking, social media, e-commerce, and government services.
Choosing a Password Manager
A good password manager offers secure storage and compatibility with antivirus programs, like NordPass. It allows you to generate strong passwords, store login details and credit card information, and auto-fill login fields. Your data is safely stored in password manager, accessible with a master password.
Strong and secure passwords are part of a system protecting your data from cyberattacks. Enhance your security with tools like password managers and antivirus programs to safeguard both your personal and work-related computers and data.
Summary
In this age of digital threats, securing your online presence is vital. We have described the importance of strong, unique passwords to protect against data breaches, financial theft, and unauthorized access. The use of a trusted password manager, like NordPass, 1Password, etc., is recommended for secure password creation, storage, and management across various accounts. By adhering to these guidelines and utilizing reliable tools like password managers and antivirus software, you can significantly enhance your digital security for both personal and professional data.
