The Best Way To Protect Your Digital Life
How to stay safe online and keep your personal information secure
--
Today marks World Password Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of strong passwords and educating people on how to create and manage secure passwords.
In 2005, security researcher Mark Burnett suggested that everyone should have a password day during which they change their passwords. After he introduced this concept in his book “Perfect Passwords”, Intel created a worldwide observance. The first World Password Day was observed in 2013 on the first Thursday of May.
Passwords are the first line of defense in keeping our online accounts secure. They are essential keys that unlock your online accounts. Weak passwords can easily be hacked, putting your financial and personal information at risk.
Tips for creating strong passwords
- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid using personal information such as your name, date of birth, or phone number.
- Use different passwords for each of your online accounts.
- Make sure your passwords are at least 12 characters long.
- Use a password manager to securely store your passwords.
Passwords should not only be strong but also regularly updated. People tend to use the same password for years, which makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats. By updating your passwords every few months, you can reduce the risk of your accounts being hacked.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another important aspect of password security. By requiring a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone in addition to your password, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. As a result, hackers will have a much harder time gaining access to your accounts.
A Password Tool I Recommend
To secure my passwords I use a tool called Last Pass, a freemium password manager that stores encrypted passwords online. It comes with a web interface as well as plugins for various web browsers and mobile apps
With so many logins and passwords, both personal and client-based, I couldn’t manage without it. With it, I can create and save unique passwords for multiple websites, making login and password management easy and secure. Another useful feature is that it allows me to safely share passwords without sending via text or email.
As a final note, World Password Day serves as a reminder to everyone to take online security seriously. With strong, unique passwords, regular updates, and 2FA, we can better protect ourselves from cyber threats. Don’t forget to check your passwords today and make any necessary changes to ensure your online security.