In an increasingly interconnected world, where our personal and sensitive information is stored and accessed online, it is crucial to prioritize the security of our digital accounts. One of the fundamental steps towards safeguarding our data is creating a strong password. I know it may be tempting to use simple and easy-to-remember passwords, but doing so can put us at significant risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
In this article, I'll give you some crucial tips on creating a super-strong password that will make your online presence rock-solid and keep your valuable information safe and sound.
There are general requirements everyone MUST take into consideration in creating passwords for any account. These requirements include:
You may think, "Why must I follow these requirements?". These are guidelines designed to ensure that the passwords are hard to guess. They ensure that your password is challenging to figure out using cyber attacks like dictionary attacks or brute-force attacks.
Yes, saving your password as your pet cat's name is more convenient, but it would be easy to figure out.
The danger in saving passwords as personal information is that anyone that knows that information could figure it out. Yes, ANYONE!
Even if you pad it with different numbers or characters, anybody dedicated enough could figure it out. The person doesn't even have to be related to you in any way to find such personal information.
Here's a list of things you should avoid putting in your passwords:
Resist the urge to use the same password for every social media account. It is convenient but not recommended. In the tragic event that one gets compromised, the rest would be left vulnerable.
When you regularly change your passwords, it adds another layer of security. Set a reminder to change your passwords every few months. This makes it even harder to crack as it is constantly changing.
Even mildly suspecting a breach in your account is enough reason to change your passwords. Better safe than sorry.
Avoid writing your passwords in sticky notes or jotters. Avoid writing them in text files or documents. Avoid writing them in your journals; avoid writing them in diaries. They are easy to find this way.
Most importantly, avoid telling people your passwords. The whole point of a password is to prevent access from other people. Telling people your passwords defeats the goal of creating a strong password in the first place. Avoid it for the safety of your personal information.
These guideline significantly enhance the security of your online accounts and protect your personal information from unauthorized access. By avoiding common pitfalls like using personal information, reusing passwords, and carelessly storing or sharing them, you minimize the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
Remember, creating a strong password is an essential step, but it's equally important to stay vigilant, keep software and devices updated, and be cautious of phishing attempts or suspicious links. By adopting a proactive approach to online security, you can enjoy a safer digital experience.