A password is not just a string of letters and numbers, it is the key to gaining access to a valuable place. Passwords allow access to bank accounts, email accounts and more. In the wrong hands, access to your accounts can result in disaster.
Online each day
We access so many tools and accounts online each day. Our phones and a few codes allow us to be on social media, monitor our banking and send emails. We are fortunate to have all this technology literally at our fingertips. However, with this easy access comes the cyber criminal always trying to make some money.
Password Terms
Hackers try to gain access to accounts by a some common methods. ‘Brute force’ tries the most common passwords against the account until it figures it out. You can reduce the chances of getting hit with this by having a limiter on the account, this is a good security layer.
‘Password spraying’ is trying to figure out the same common password over many accounts. This operates at a slower rate so they won’t be noticed. We can tend to use the same password over several accounts so we can remember it easily, that is not such a good idea. If one is compromised, then it can be used to access other accounts.
Here are some simple tips to help keep you password safe:
- Remember longer is stronger. Passwords need to be a minimum of eight characters long.
- Passwords should contain a mixture of upper case and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
- Don’t use personal information in your password such as date of birth, pet’s name or your favourite football team. That’s too easy to guess.
- Use a different password for each account.
- Do not write your passwords down or store them on your mobile or PC.
- To store them, use an up-to-date digital password vault. This encrypts them and provides you with an access code.
- Remember to change your passwords regularly.
- Do not use the default password that comes with software installation. Change it immediately.
- Beware of shoulder surfers, when keying in passwords.
By following those simple steps, you could save yourself from having your online accounts compromised. Human error is often the cause of data breaches so be password clever to help avoid it. For more advice on staying safe on line you can speak to the expert team at DNA IT Solutions.