Nowadays, passwords are needed for just about everything, whether it’s online shopping, reading the news, or just scrolling social media. But this can be tiresome, and many of us are guilty of taking the easy route and simply reusing one password on all platforms. This is tempting because it’s so simple, but sadly, it’s also just about the least secure way to protect your accounts.
Secure password practices aren’t just about creating new passwords for each site though, because weak and easily guessable passwords leave you vulnerable to hackers. As the first defence against cyberthreats, strong passwords are crucial for protecting your sensitive data – but if the thought of having to think of something unique each time fills you with dread, never fear – check out our guide to creating top passwords below.
### Why do you need secure credentials?
It’s difficult to overstate the importance of a secure password, especially when so much of our lives are online. Your communications, financial information, even biometric data can be stored online, so a compromised password can expose you to all manner of threats, including identity theft, and sophisticated social engineering attacks.
There are a few ways to make sure you’re keeping your passwords as safe as possible, so we’ve made this guide to put all of our recommendations in one place.
There are a couple of cheats that will make this task easier. To keep the best cyber hygiene, we’ve put together a list of the best password managers, as well as all the best password generators on the market.
If you don’t want to use a third party, and just want some tips on how to make your passwords as secure as possible, then take a look below at our advice.
### Creating a strong password
Creating a strong password is of course the first step to staying secure online. With safety in mind, your password should be as complicated as possible whilst still being memorable.
First off, the basics. The recommended length for a password is at least 12 characters, but ideally over 14. This should include a mix of capital and lowercase letters, as well as symbols and numbers.
Try to avoid sequential numbers, i.e. 1234 , and avoid your birthday – these are the easiest for attackers to guess.
The password shouldn’t be a beloved, well-known character, so avoid Snoopy123. An obscure character would work, or even better a catchphrase that you remember from the show, like “Streets;Ahead6S&AM!”
It’s recommended that you use a word that’s not in the dictionary, which sounds ridiculous, but you can do this quite easily by adding in numbers, like “Kn33c4p”, for example.
I’ve always been told by the IT teams I’ve worked with to use a semicolon in your password, since semicolons are often used in coding to indicate a break in the code, often separating two lines. This interrupts the attackers attempt and makes life much more difficult for them. Not all threat actors will use code to try and break into accounts, so it’s not fool-proof, but every little helps!
### Secure with software
If this all sounds a bit too taxing for you, we understand – luckily, there are services out there specifically designed to help.
The first, are the best password managers, which we’ve handily ranked and reviewed all in one place. Password managers store your credentials and securely auto-fill them into all your saved websites. In our guide, we’ve tested a mix of free and premium managers, some have more advanced features or are designed for business use, whilst some are definitely more suited for casual single users.
These do come with a pretty obvious risk, in that all of your passwords are now stored in one place, which, if compromised, is pretty similar to just reusing the same password. The software introduce one single point of failure, so make sure you chose a reputable manager with good reviews to keep safe.
The password managers do have great security, but if you don’t fancy the risk but still want to save yourself the hassle of thinking of a hundred unique strong passwords, then we recommend checking out the best password generators we’ve reviewed.
Pretty much as they say on the tin, password generators create hard to crack, secure credentials for you to use as you please.
### Keeping passwords secure
The golden rule of passwords is that you never share them with anyone. Not friends, family, and especially not any unknown number who calls claiming to be from your bank. You should never send your password over the internet, even to yourself – because even the most secure communications can be compromised.
Writing passwords down so that you can remember them is the least risky strategy, provided you store it somewhere safe where no one has access or could easily spot them (so not in a notebook kept in your shared office space).
As frustrating as it is, its definitely best practice to create a new password for each site, especially those that hold important personal information – think financial firms, communications, cloud storage etc.
### Strong password policies
Any organization with a digital presence needs a password policy, whether you’re accessing a complex order management system, or just a company Gmail, a robust and clear policy should lay out the parameters for safe password use.
Organizations are only as strong as their weakest password, so eliminating insecurities is a crucial first line of cyberdefense. By implementing a company policy, you can ensure that employees and systems users are protected, and this adds another layer of security to your organization’s networks.
For companies, mandatory password rotation is just as important, and switching passwords every 60 to 90 days for the passwords that protect your important data such as bank details, emails, or sensitive information.
Within this mandate, companies should ensure that employees are following all of the tips above, you can be confident in company passwords. Recent research has shown only 50% of organizations scan for compromised passwords more than once a month, so make sure you’re in the half that does. Of course, this has to be paired with immediately changing any passwords that may have been compromised.
Multi-Factor Authentication might be a pain, but its an excellent way to secure your accounts. The best authenticator apps can help add an additional layer of security and help verify that the person trying to log in is the owner of the account.
Some of these apps will generate one-time passwords (OTP) which expire shortly after being sent, which drastically reduces and attackers window to steal the credentials.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, securing your passwords is vital in today’s digital age where cyber threats are prevalent. By following best practices like creating strong passwords, using password managers, and implementing secure password policies, you can safeguard your sensitive information and protect yourself from potential cyberattacks.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### 1. Why are strong passwords important?
Strong passwords are crucial for protecting your sensitive data and safeguarding your online accounts from cyber threats like hacking and identity theft.
#### 2. How can I create a strong password?
To create a strong password, ensure it is at least 12 characters long, includes a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols, and avoid using easily guessable information like your birthday or common phrases.
#### 3. Are password managers safe to use?
Password managers can be safe to use as they securely store your credentials and auto-fill them into websites. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable manager and keep your master password secure.
#### 4. Should I use the same password for multiple accounts?
No, using the same password for multiple accounts increases your vulnerability to cyber threats. It’s best to create unique passwords for each account to enhance security.
#### 5. What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is an additional security measure that requires users to provide multiple credentials to access an account, such as a password and a one-time code sent to their phone, enhancing security.
#### 6. How often should I change my passwords?
It’s recommended to change your passwords every 60 to 90 days, especially for accounts holding sensitive information like financial details or emails, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
#### 7. Can I write down my passwords for easy remembering?
Writing down passwords can be risky if not done securely. It’s advisable to store them in a safe place where only you can access them, avoiding easily visible locations.
#### 8. What are the dangers of using weak passwords?
Weak passwords make it easier for hackers to guess and compromise your accounts, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential identity theft.
#### 9. How can I improve the security of my organization’s passwords?
Implementing a strong password policy, enforcing password rotation, and educating employees on safe password practices can enhance the security of your organization’s passwords and networks.
#### 10. Are password generators secure to use?
Password generators can create strong, hard-to-crack passwords, enhancing security. However, it’s essential to use reputable generators and store generated passwords securely.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your online accounts and protect your sensitive information from cyber threats. Remember, a strong password is your first line of defence in the digital world.