Nowadays, everyone is using the Internet. It is vast, and you can use it for nearly anything. Having a strong password is a must if you are creating an account to access a specific platform or a website on the Internet.
It is your responsibility to keep your accounts and websites secure from cybercriminals by setting a strong password. In this blog, we will be sharing the best password practices, which will help you create that robust and unique password.
When creating a password, aim for choosing words that are difficult to guess. You should never use personal information as it is already in public, from which a hacker can guess it out.
Use a password generator to create a complex password. If you find it difficult to remember passwords for each of your accounts, then we would recommend a password manager. You can store your multiple passwords in this manager.
Contents
Some of the password managers I recommend using are:
- Google Password Manager
- LastPass
- Roboform
- 1Password
- KeePass
I have compiled eight best password practices to keep your account and website secure.
1) Two-factor Authentication
To access the account, you will have to input a Pin, which you will get via an SMS, Email, or App. In this process, a hacker cannot access the account with a username and password. They will need the pin, which only you have. It adds an extra layer of security.
For website owners, whose website is powered by WordPress, an in-depth comparison between Wordfence vs Sucuri will help you choose the right WordPress security plugin.
2) Avoid Dictionary Words
The software used by hackers can detect thousands of dictionary words. For example, qwerty or 123456 is a bad combination, which is easy to crack. Such a hack is known as dictionary attacks. Your passwords must be random. Try adding numerals or punctuations in your passwords.
3) Different Passwords for multiple accounts
We all prefer the same passwords in our different accounts for easy recalling. But it also makes it easy for cybercriminals to hack it. Never use the same password for your separate accounts.
Also Read: 20 Tips to Secure your Devices in 2020
4) Change Passwords Regularly
A lot of us are using the same old password for many years to avoid forgetting it. However, changing passwords is a good practice in confusing hackers. Keep changing your password every 30,60, or 90 days.
5) Test your password
You can test your password’s strength through Microsoft’s Safety & Security Centre. It has a testing tool to help you determine a password, which will be hard to hack for cybercriminals.
6) Avoid bunching numbers and symbols together
Never bunch symbols and numbers together in passwords. It makes it easier to hack. A good practice is to spread it throughout the password.
7) Don’t save passwords
Never save passwords, especially on public computers. It makes it vulnerable to hacking. Always remove your username when you logout from websites and clear the browser history to prevent others from collecting information on your account.
Wrapping up
In the end, always remember to keep your device and virus scanner up to date. These updates are critical for the security of your websites and accounts. Cybercriminals are trying new ways to hack and steal data, and these updates will plug in the gaps which they will try to exploit.
