Passwords concern us daily. Every new app we want to install, every new service we want to sign up for, all require account creation and login with a username and password. How can we remember all these details for the dozens of apps and services we sign up for? A completely wrong practice is to overcome the problem by giving passwords that are easy to remember. Hackers exploit this weakness and easily discover our passwords. In this article, we will give you simple rules that, if followed, will make you feel that your passwords are secure and that you will not easily fall victim to hacking.
12 Rules for Secure Passwords
- Passwords must be complex and difficult to memorize so that they cannot be easily guessed by a potential hacker.
- Each password should have at least 8 characters, but it’s better to have 12 or more characters. The longer the password, the more secure it is.
- Password characters should be a combination of letters, digits, and symbols. A password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is much more secure than one that consists only of letters or numbers.
- Do not use personal information in passwords: Hackers can easily guess your password if it is based on personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, tax ID, phone number, or similar details of family members.
- Avoid using words found in dictionaries; try using random characters. Hackers often use automated tools to guess passwords by trying words or combinations of words found in dictionaries.
- Do not write your passwords down in an easily accessible place, like a sticky note on your computer screen. If you do need to record your passwords, ensure the access to that document is restricted.
- Use a password manager to securely store your passwords. A password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts. This way, you don’t need to remember all your passwords. However, there is a risk of the password manager being hacked, so be cautious in your choice!
- Passwords should not be shared with anyone, even trusted colleagues.
- Avoid the continuous use of the same password. Users should change their passwords regularly, e.g., once a year.
- Do not use the same password for all your accounts. Reusing the same password across multiple accounts increases the risk of all your accounts being compromised if even one is breached.
- Do not share your password with other users unless the account is shared.
- Security passwords should not be mentioned:
- in communication messages (e.g., SMS or email)
- during telephone conversations.
In conclusion, following these simple rules can help you create strong, secure passwords and keep your online accounts safe from potential hacker attacks. Your password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Ensure it is strong and unique. You can use a reliable service like Have I Been Pwned (https://haveibeenpwned.com) to check if your email address has been involved in any data breaches. If your password has been exposed in a data breach, it’s important to change it immediately. Also, see the related article with simple rules to keep your website safe And if you want, check how strong your password is here or here.
