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Like most people in today’s digital age, you probably spend a considerable portion of your life online. From daily emailing to online banking, managing finances, and shopping, these basics of everyday life are undoubtedly enhanced by our ever-present internet world. But with so much of our lives intertwined with the web, online security is more important than ever. And sadly, with cyber threats and data breaches on the rise, stepping up our personal cybersecurity is more crucial than ever.
A strong password is your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts. Below are six essential tips for creating a robust password for better online security. By utilizing a strong password, you can stay safer online while enjoying SCTelcom’s high-speed fiber internet for everything from streaming TV and movies to connecting with loved ones through video calling or managing your finances.
1. The Elements of a Strong Password
Many people have been using the same password for a long time—and across many apps and websites! And it’s common to use a word near and dear to one’s heart because it’s easier to remember.
This risky practice is not nearly secure enough to combat today’s sophisticated hackers and cybercriminals. A strong password typically includes a mix of the following characteristics:
· Length: Aim for at least 12-16 characters. Longer passwords are generally more secure.
· Complexity: Use a diverse combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols (e.g., &, !, @, and #).
· Unpredictability: Avoid easily guessable information, such as names, birthdays, or common words.
Check out these examples of a weak (but common) password and a strong password:
· Weak: Passcode123 (a shockingly overused word attached to a simple sequence of numbers is just not sufficient in today’s world).
· Strong: 6L~3s1yXt#f4Fmz8 (this tangled combo is loaded with randomness, making the password extremely difficult to guess).
2. Avoid Widespread Password Mistakes
In addition to simply using the same password over and over again, many users fall into other common traps that compromise password strength. To dodge these:
· Steer Clear of Words Found in the Dictionary: Avoid common words or phrases. Cyber attackers use dictionary attacks, which try every word in the dictionary to crack passwords.
· Don’t Use Personal Information: Refrain from using your name, family names, or birth dates, as these are often easy to guess or obtain.
3. Use a Passphrase
If a jumbled set of letters, numbers, and characters is just too much to remember, you can still improve your password by lengthening it. A passphrase is a longer sequence of words or a sentence that’s easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
For instance, instead of a single word, use a phrase like “MyCatMeows@Midnight?”
While seemingly silly, such a passphrase is more complex—and harder for hackers to guess or obtain—than using your cat’s name alone. And it’s also easy for you to remember.
4. Utilize Password Managers
If you don’t have the time to create a proper password and want to be sure that it contains the right amount of complexity, consider using a password manager. A password manager can help you create—and store—strong passwords securely. These tools can generate random passwords that meet security criteria and save you from having to remember every password.
When selecting a password manager, make sure that it utilizes strong encryption to protect your stored passwords. Many password managers will sync across all your devices, including cell phones and tablets, but double-check before choosing one.
5. Keep Your Passwords Updated
It’s not enough just to make your passwords more secure—you need to keep them updated, too. Ideally, you should change your passwords periodically, with some experts recommending changing them about every three to six months. This is particularly wise for sensitive accounts like email and online banking or credit cards but should also be considered for your most commonly used apps and social media.
If a company, service, or app you use experiences a breach, you must change your password immediately, no matter how recently you last updated it. Additionally, if you notice any unusual activity in your accounts, change your password to give yourself peace of mind.
6. Avoid Reusing Passwords
Our last tip relates to an all-too-common pitfall: using the same password repeatedly for apps and website logins. Reusing passwords across multiple sites increases your vulnerability. Indeed, if just one account is compromised, attackers can access your other accounts that share the same password.
Password managers can ease the creation and storage of unique passwords for each of your accounts. Alternatively, you can create variations of a strong base password just by adding a suffix or prefix related to each account.
Creating a strong password is a vital step in securing your online accounts. By following these six tips, you can significantly enhance your password and your overall online security.
