Cybersecurity Awareness Month

5 Tips for Creating Strong and Unique Passwords

Creating a secure password is essential in today’s digital age and is crucial for protecting your information and online accounts from unauthorized access. Check below to find valuable tips and tricks to ensure your online accounts are well-protected.

Mix your character types

Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to make your password more complex and harder for hackers to crack. For example, instead of using a simple word like “password,” try using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols such as “P@ssw0rd!”.

Make your password long

The longer your password, the more secure it is. Aim for a minimum of 12 characters or more to increase its strength. Consider using a passphrase, i.e. a series of words or a sentence that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. For instance, “Ilove2Travel&Explore.''

Avoid guessable information

Don’t include personal information such as your name, birthdate, or address in your passwords. Hackers can easily find this information and use it to guess your password. Instead, opt for random combinations of characters that have no personal significance.

Use different passwords

Ensuring unique passwords for every online account is essential, as research indicates that 80% of data breaches occur due to weak, reused, or stolen login information. If one password gets compromised, using the same password for other accounts puts them all at risk. Consider using a password manager tool to securely store and generate unique passwords for each account.

Change passwords regularly

It’s important to change your passwords periodically, at least every three to six months. Regularly updating your passwords reduces the chances of them being compromised.

By following these tips, you can enhance the security of your online accounts and protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access. Remember, a strong and unique password is your first line of defense against cyber threats.

Interested in discovering more about Whitley Penn’s cybersecurity and data privacy services, including risk assessments and cloud technology services? Reach out to John.