Password Security 101: Your First Line of Defense Online

In today’s digital age, Data is the most valuable resource. Our online accounts hold our personal information, financial records, and even our social connections. One of the first lines of defence in protecting our personal information is having a strong password. A strong password not only makes it harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access, but it also provides us with peace of mind. A weak password is easily cracked by even the most casual intruder, while a strong password, can withstand even the most resourceful hacker.

Have you ever wondered whether your email account has been compromised? Check it out at Have I Been Pwned?, created and run by Troy Hunt, an Australian web security consultant. If it has been leaked in a data breach, make sure to change its password and tighten its security as soon as you finish reading this blog.

In this article, we will guide you through the importance of having a strong password and the steps of creating a strong password.

Importance of using a Strong Password.

1. Guarding Against Cyberattacks
   In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the number of cyberattacks and unauthorised data access incidents. Attackers are increasingly using advanced methods to break into accounts with weak passwords. Such as,
   1. Brute force attack – A brute force attack uses a trial-and-error approach to systematically guess login credentials. The attacker submits combinations of usernames and passwords until they finally guess correctly.
   2. Keylogger attack – A keylogger is a form of malware or hardware that keeps track of and records your keystrokes as you type. It sends this information to a hacker whenever you are connected to the Internet.
   3. Password spraying – It is a type of brute force attack that involves a malicious actor attempting to use the same password on multiple accounts before moving on to try another one.

By setting up a strong password, we can greatly lower the risk of being targeted by these attacks.

2. Protecting Personal Information
   Our digital accounts contain extensive personal data, such as financial information, private messages, and confidential documents. Establishing a strong password provides a safeguard for these valuable assets. In case of a security compromise, a solid password can block unauthorised persons from accessing our private details and possibly exploiting them for harmful intent.
   
3. Preventing Identity Theft
   Identity fraud has emerged as a common problem in today’s digital world. Hackers, armed with only a small amount of personal information, can cause significant disruption in our lives. A strong password substantially increases hackers’ difficulty in mimicking or accessing our online profiles. By dedicating effort to generate a strong password, we decrease the likelihood of falling prey to identity theft.
   
4. Building Trust and Confidence
   As technology advances, customers and clients become more aware of the importance of data security. By creating a strong password, we demonstrate our commitment to protecting our data and the data of those we interact with. This fosters a sense of trust and confidence in our digital presence, whether as individuals or as businesses.

So, the question now is, how do we create a Strong password? or get to know whether our password is Strong enough or not? Make sure your password secures these requirements.

The Steps of Creating a Strong Password.

1. Having Longer Passwords.
   The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for a minimum of 12 characters, but, if possible, go for even longer. A password length between 16 to 20 characters is considered ideal.
   
2. Combination of Characters
   A strong password contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using sequential or easily guessable patterns such as “123456” or “qwerty”. Choose a combination that is not associated with easily obtainable personal information, such as your birthdate or pet’s name.
   
   The following table shows that the time it will take for a brute-force attack to guess your password varies with the length and characters. This provides an overall idea of the strength of your password.

3. Avoid using Dictionary Words
   Using common words found in the dictionary or well-known phrases as passwords is a big no-no. Hackers employ sophisticated software that can easily crack any password based on commonly used words. The alternative is to either create a passphrase or use a random combination of characters.
4. Use Unique Passwords for Every Account
   Even if you use strong passwords, you must avoid the temptation of using the same password across multiple accounts. If one account gets compromised, all your other accounts become vulnerable. Unique passwords for each account ensure that even if one is compromised, the damage is limited.
5. Consider Using a Password Manager
   Managing multiple strong passwords can be challenging. To make your life easier, consider using a password manager. These tools can generate strong passwords, store them securely, and automatically fill them in when needed. Just make sure to choose a reputable tool that encrypts your data. We have suggested some password managers we found to be genuine (you can use the links to access their official sites). However, make sure you do your own due diligence before selecting one.

6. Regularly Update Your Passwords
   Creating a strong password is not a one-time task. It’s crucial to regularly update your passwords to stay ahead of any potential security breaches. Experts recommend changing your passwords every three to six months.
   
7. Enable Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
   Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, to log in.
   
8. Usage of Passphrases
   Passphrases are longer, more secure versions of passwords. Instead of a string of characters, they use a sequence of words, typically 4 or more, each at least 4 letters long. Passphrases offer a better balance of security and usability compared to traditional passwords. They are easy to remember, and their extended length makes them harder to guess.

Taking the time to create a strong password is a small but essential step in safeguarding your online security. By following these steps, you maximise the protection of your personal information and minimise the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals. Remember, your password is your first line of defence, so make it strong!