Password Protection Tips Every User Should Follow

The password is the number one data protection strategy used in computing. It’s strange, however, how often a weak password ends up being the cause of data breaches and other situations that can seriously hurt a business. In today’s blog, we go through some of the best password creation tips that will help you better secure your individual and business data.

Passwords Should Be Complex

To make your passwords as secure as possible, making them as long and complex as you can always helps. Studies show that passwords over 12 characters are best. You’ll want to use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and avoid common words (like “password”). One good tip is to put together three unrelated words, sprinkle in substitution symbols, and vary the case to make it even harder to guess.

They Shouldn’t Be Replicated

One of the biggest problems we see with password creation is that people often use the same password across multiple accounts. This is a big no-no: if one account gets compromised, every other account that shares that password becomes low-hanging fruit for hackers. Instead, aim to use unique passwords for every account.

Use a Password Manager

Managing dozens of unique, complex passwords can feel overwhelming — but that’s where a password manager comes in. Password managers are secure applications that can generate, store, and auto-fill your passwords. They encrypt your credentials, keeping them safe, and ensure you only need to remember one strong master password. Using a password manager not only improves your security but also makes logging into your accounts quicker and easier.

Keep Passwords Current

The tried-and-true method of password-based account security suggests that you should regularly update passwords, as the longer a password is active on an account, the more likely it is to be hacked. If you think there is even a slim chance you’ve been the victim of a cyberattack, change your password immediately.

Get Familiar with Multi-Factor Authentication

Most accounts now offer the option to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), adding an extra step to the authentication process. This additional layer dramatically increases account security, making it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access — even if they somehow get your password.

If you follow these steps, you’ll put yourself in the best position possible to keep your accounts and data secure. To learn more about cybersecurity best practices, visit our blog regularly or contact the knowledgeable IT experts at  XFER by calling 734-927-6666 / 800-GET-XFER.