Password protection 101: Everything you need to know about passwords
Let’s face it, passwords are the bane of our digital existence. We all use passwords every day, whether it’s to log into our social media accounts, email, or online banking. Creating a password that meets all the requirements feels like solving a complicated math problem. One uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one special character…I half expect my password to ask for my astrological sign and blood type at this point.
But on the other hand with increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our passwords are strong and secure.
In this post, we’ll explore the importance of strong passwords, the common mistakes people make when creating them, and some tips on how to create and manage secure passwords. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of password security and the steps you can take to protect yourself online. Let’s get started.
Skip the common
You would be surprised to know how many just have their password said to “password”. I am sure that would take a supercomputer decades to crack! If you really do not wish to have your account compromised, it is a best practice to avoid common passwords such as “123456” or “qwerty”. More importantly, using normal English words as password would also be bad.
Hackers can use something called as a Dictionary attack. It is a method of cracking password by systematically entering every word in a dictionary as a password. A dictionary attack can also be used in an attempt to find the key necessary to decrypt an encrypted message or document. So the best practice here would be to simply not use common words as passwords
It’s complicated
The good old days of using “password123” as our go-to password are long gone. Now, we’re expected to create a password that’s more complex than a Rubik’s cube. The key to creating a strong password is to use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. I see you rolling your eyes after read that sentence! How is it humanly possible to remember such tongue-twisters, let alone typing them correctly when you’re in a rush.
But fear not, my fellow password procrastinators, there are ways to make this task a little less daunting. Instead of trying to memorize a random combination of characters, try thinking of a phrase or sentence that’s personal to you. For example, “I love my morning coffee with three sugars” could become “ILvmyM0rningC0ffee3sug@rs”. Voila! You’ve got yourself a complex password that’s easy to remember and personal to you.
Do not reuse!
I am all for reduce, reuse and recycle. But, there are places where being “eco-friendly” isn’t a good idea. We are all guilty of reusing passwords at some point, hoping that our trusty go-to password will protect us from the big bad world of hackers. But alas, the truth is that reusing passwords is like putting all of your eggs in one basket. If one password is compromised, all of your accounts are at risk.
So, what’s the solution? Simple — use a unique password for each account you create. I know, I know, it sounds like a lot of work. But think of it as an opportunity to flex your creative muscles. Who needs Sudoku when you can come up with a new password every day?
A trusty side-kick
I can rant on and on about unique passwords and flexing creative muscles but at the end of the day, remembering all those passwords is nothing short of an herculean task. But fear not, my friends, there is a solution — password managers.
Think of a password manager as your own personal bouncer for all of your online accounts. It generates strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and keeps them all organized in one convenient location. It’s like having a butler for your passwords. Except, you know, without the fancy accent.
So, the next time you’re faced with the daunting task of creating a new password, consider letting a password manager do the heavy lifting for you. Trust me, your brain (and your online security) will thank you.
Change is good
We all have our favorite passwords that we’ve been using for years. But just like your favorite pair of sweatpants, sometimes it’s time to let them go and find something new. And when it comes to passwords, it’s important to embrace the idea of change.
Why, you ask? Well, even the strongest of passwords can become vulnerable over time. It’s like that song you used to love but have heard a million times — eventually, it starts to lose its appeal. So, it’s a good idea to change your password every few months to keep your online accounts safe and secure.
In conclusion, creating strong passwords is a crucial step in protecting your online accounts and personal information. By following these tips, you can make it much harder for hackers to gain access to your sensitive data. Remember, a strong password is your first line of defense against cyber crime. Always keep in mind that while it may be a small inconvenience to come up with a strong password, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your information is safe is absolutely worth it. So, go forth and create those strong passwords, my friends. Your online security depends on it
