How To Create Strong Passwords And Manage Them Securely
Losing our information or credentials to some unknown person can always be a thorn in the flesh. Identity theft, financial loss, or other forms of cybercrime are prevalent in today’s digital world. Passwords are there to do away with such kinds of fraudulent activities. Passwords are an imperative for online protection. Since most of the mundane jobs are connected online, most of our social networking, streaming, and last but not least, our bank accounts are secured through passwords. Because of a lack of awareness, there are loopholes in the passwords we create, thereby allowing fraudsters to breach in and steal our information or credentials. That’s why we need to create strong passwords in order to protect our privacy. In this blog, we will teach you to create a strong password and how to manage it securely without any hiccups.
How to create a strong password
In today’s digital world, where most of the accounts are managed online, it’s a daunting task to create a strong password for each and every account. But with some tweaks and tips, it is possible to create passwords that are highly secure. Below are some of the ways to create a strong password for the security of our personal information.
1 – Long characters:
Use long characters, preferably at least 12 characters long with a maximum range of 16 to 20 characters. The longer the characters, the more difficult it will be to hack.
2 – Mix characters:
Use a blend of numbers, letters (upper and lower case), and symbols. Use special characters like punctuation in between letters and numbers. These combinations should be easy to remember but hard to foresee or guess. Use the keyboard to your advantage.
3 – Do not be predictable:
Do not be blatant. Combine unrelated words; do not be predictable. Words that are unrelated but easier for you to understand. Complexity is the way to go.
4 – Avoid personal information:
Do not use personal information in your password, like your spouse’s name, your name, or your address. Focus on creating abstract information.
5 – Use a passphrase:
Create a passphrase. The created passphrase shouldn’t be cliche or the most commonly used dictionary words. The most commonly used dictionary words are easy for the hacker to anticipate and hack. Do not be generic.
6 – Employ mnemonics:
Structure a sentence and use the first letter of each word. For instance, I finish my work at 9 p.m.; ifmw@9p is how mnemonics works. We can also use the PAO system, a.k.a. person, activity (action), and object, which was popularized by Joshua Foer.
7 – Password generators:
Use password generators for strong passwords. A password generator can suggest strong passwords that cannot be breached easily. Password generators usually suggest multiple passwords that we can choose from.
8 – Enable 2FA:
Implement two-factor authentication, which adds an additional layer of security like biometrics or a code. A second factor can be annoying for a hacker. It’s like a second form of verification.
9 – Unique passwords for different accounts:
Each of your accounts should have distinctive passwords. This ensures security if one of the accounts is infringed. If you use the same password for all the accounts, simultaneously all accounts can be accessed. There’s a vulnerability factor involved in using the same passwords for multiple accounts.
However strong your password, it is susceptible to breach, no matter how safe they are. Cyberthieves somehow, by hook or by crook, will manage to get your password. Below are some ways these nuisances get to us.
- Brute force: The intruders program in such a way that the software is automated to try as many combinations in less possible time.
- Dictionary assault: A set of words is prearranged in such a way that the software detects those commonly used words. It’s just a permutation and combinations of some words that are predictable.
- Phishing: Phishing is one of the most common strategies used by cybercriminals. They threaten, deceive, or persuade to meet their malevolent ways. The customary way a hacker does phishing is through emails and robo calls.
How to manage passwords securely
Once strong passwords are created, the next task is managing them. With most people having multiple online accounts, it can be intimidating for the people to manage their passwords securely. Multiple accounts mean multiple ways a hacker can get to you. It’s unnerving to forget some passwords, leading to mismanagement. Passwords can be managed in different ways; below are some of the ways.
1 – Password Manager:
A password manager is software where we can manage and put in order our passwords from multiple accounts. Password manager uses a master key, which gives you access to all other passwords.
2 – Update passwords:
It’s good to regularly change your passwords. Most importantly for banking and other sensitive accounts.
3 – Account monitoring:
Always keep track of your accounts. If you detect any suspicious activity, always change your password.
4 – Avoid public wifi:
Avoid using public wifi for sensitive bank transactions. It can be a doorway for hackers because of its susceptibility. If it’s an imperative, use VPN (virtual private network), which will help you in encrypting your internet connection.
5 – Beware of phishing attacks:
Beware of scammers and fraudulent emails. Always double-check the url of each and every website you are entering.
6 – Don’t share passwords:
Do not share your password with anyone, not even with your loved ones.
7 – Password policy:
Managing multiple passwords can lead to fatigue. Consider implementing a password policy.
Do not fall victim to cyberattacks. Always be with a ready defense. By implementing the above-mentioned principles and steps, we can stay safe from scammers. Even though I don’t guarantee total immunity from fraudsters, we can in some way thwart their plans by putting in the necessary precautionary steps.
Additionally, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights and tips: How Malicious Android Apps Target Your Credentials
