It seems like every time you turn around these days, you have to remember another password to login to something. From paying the cable bill to using mobile banking to hanging out on your favorite social site, if you don’t know your password, you’re locked out.
This causes many people to use the same password for everything so they can remember it… a BIG no-no! Or to use something easy like “12345” or “letmein,” passwords that are both among the most common passwords used (and hackers know that.).
At abcd TECH we help people connect with their technology, connect with their family, and conquer issues like keeping track of all those passwords to ensure they’re secure. We’ve put together 5 easy login security tricks you can use to conquer password management like a pro.
2 in 5 people had a password stolen last year!
According to Entrepreneur, 2 in 5 people had a password stolen and an account hacked last year. We do so much online these days including online banking and shopping transactions. The only thing that’s protecting access to your money may be the strength of your login password.
Yet 47% of people use passwords that are at least 5 years old and many use the same password for multiple logins, leaving themselves open to cyber criminals who count on weak password security to take advantage of you.
But you can stop them in their tracks with these simple tricks to beef up your password security.
5 Easy Password Security Tricks to Stay Safe Online
Password security is perhaps one of the most important first lines of defense both for company data security and for individuals and families. Now days, families have more points of entry for a data breach than ever before.
Besides a desktop or laptop computer, we now have smart phones and tablets, and all can be vulnerable to a password hack. Family tech is often all connected through a home Wi-Fi network, so that means if a hacker gets into one device, they can have access to all others that are on the network. Speaking of wireless networks, you’ll want to use these tricks to ensure your Wi-Fi password is also secure.
Now that you know the risk of using insecure logins, let’s find out how to make them as secure as Fort Knox.
- Complexity That’s Memorable
There’s a trick to using a secure password that’s both long and complex, but also one you can remember. Complex passwords that are secure should be at least 8-10 characters in length and should include both upper case and lower case letters as well as number and symbols.
But how do you remember a complex password? The trick is to use two words that don’t typically go together but both mean something to you for different reasons.
For example, if you have a black cat and enjoy cycling, don’t use “BlackCat,” instead use “CatBicycle.” Then add on a few digits (not your birthdate) that you know, like your most and least favorite numbers. Top it off with your favorite special character (# or * or &) for a complex password you can actually remember.
- Use a Password Manager
If you’d rather not remember any passwords and want a super secure password generated automatically for every login, then a password manager can take care of everything for you.
Just remember, there is usually a master password to get into your password manager, so use trick #1 to remember that one. And if you’re wondering which manager is the best to use, abcd TECH can give you some excellent suggestions.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication
One way to make it nearly impossible for a hacker to gain entry into one of your accounts is to enable two-factor authentication whenever the option is available. This does cause you to take another step to login, but the security is worth it, especially for bank account or iTunes/Google Play logins.
What this means is that when you try to log in to a site, you’ll receive a time-sensitive code either by text, email, or alert. You’ll need to enter that code to continue logging in to the site.
- Change Passwords Regularly
Many people keep using the same passwords for years because it’s easier than changing them. But the longer you keep the same password on a site, the more you’re at risk.
Your network isn’t the only one that can be hacked. Retailers with online stores like Target and Home Depot have had their data hacked, which means your password used on a site that’s hacked is vulnerable. Changing your passwords regularly is not only a good habit to get into, it’s increasingly a necessary one.
- Use a Password Strength Checker
A great way to make sure your passwords are as secure as they should be is to use a free password checker site, like passwordmeter.com. These types of sites will give your password a score based upon how hard it would be to hack. They’ll also give you suggestions for making a password more secure if needed.
Looking for Ways to Keep Your Accounts Secure Without Going Password Crazy?
Our Home Cybersecurity Team at abcd TECH can help you get a handle on your passwords and ensure your home network is secure. We can also make sure your smart phone and tablets are covered.
Just give us a call at 316-768-7832, and let’s make sure you’re safe!
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