As we talk about Cybersecurity this month securing your online accounts is not just about keeping your email or social media private- it’s about protecting your identity, finances, and personal data. Having good shopping habits is important but even more key is your passwords.
Passwords are your first line of defense against cybercriminals, yet it is often over looked or mismanaged. We want you to move from thinking of password management last to placing it as a priority to fortify your online presence.
1. Creating Strong Passwords
Your password is essentially the lock to your front door of your online house. Would you put a flimsy, weak, lock on your front door? Probably not, yet millions of people are using weak passwords that hackers can crack in seconds. Creating that strong, unique, lock is foundational to good password etiquette.
Use Complexity:
The strength of your lock depends on complexity and with that, in regards to passwords, is length. A password like “Fido2023” might seem secure but is incredibly predictable if Fido is the name of a pet. Instead look to create something longer and less obvious. Adding complexity by adding a random assortment of letters, numbers, and symbols can make your lock more complex.
Avoid Reusing Passwords:
Using the same passwords across multiple sites is an incredibly risky shortcut you should be leaving behind. Using this poor practice means when one account is compromised by cybercriminals other accounts will be quick to follow. Treat each account as a separate island with varying access points.
2. Leverage Password Managers
In avoiding using the same password comes the concern of remembering dozens of strong, unique passwords. A simple solution to that are password managers. These tools are digital vaults storing passwords securely and generating new ones as needed.
Store Passwords Securely:
A password manager can take the headache out of managing your locks. These tools can generate massively complex passwords for you ensuring they meet security standards. For instance, instead of wracking your brain for a secure password every time you need one the password manager can create one for you. You’ll never have to remember it because the manager will store it for you securely.
Enable Autofill Carefully:
Many password managers offer autofill features. This can save a lot of time by entering your credentials for you. However, this can also lead to lapses in security quickly. Ensure that your manger’s autofill is only active on trusted devices that are in your control at all times. Public or shared computers always log out of your password manager to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Regularly Update Passwords
Even your strongest password won’t stand the test of time. Regularly updating and monitoring your passwords ensures you stay ahead of any potential threats.
Set a Routine for Updates:
Like normal maintenance around the house think of setting up a regular schedule to maintain your online accounts. You wouldn’t go years without changing your home’s security system so why treat your digital security any differently? Look to update your passwords every three to six months, especially for sensitive accounts like email, banking, etc.
Monitor for Breaches:
Data breaches are becoming alarmingly common. Even the most reputable companies can and have fallen victim to hackers exposing people’s valuable information. Using tools that can check to see if your email address or accounts have been compromised are wonderful tools to add to your password routine to check the health of your accounts. If accounts have been compromised act immediately!
In today’s culture where so much of our personal and professional lives exist online, good password etiquette is non-negotiable. By creating strong and unique passwords, leveraging password managers, and regularly updating and monitoring your credentials, you’re taking critical steps to protect your digital presence. Start today and rest assured your accounts are secure before a breach happens.
