A strong password is a fundamental element of online security, acting as your primary defence against cyber threats. In todayâs digital age, where personal and sensitive information is frequently accessed and stored online, having robust passwords is crucial. With cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated methods to exploit vulnerabilities, it is vital to strengthen your passwords to prevent unauthorised access.
Prioritise length and complexity
Focus on creating passwords that are both long and diverse.
Aim for at least 15 characters, combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager can help manage complex passwords easily, enhancing your security without sacrificing convenience.
Avoid predictable choices
Steer clear of obvious choices like your pet's name or birth year. Passwords based on real words are vulnerable to dictionary attacks. Instead, use random combinations that are meaningful to you, ensuring they are unique and resistant to common hacking methods.
Use meaningful nonsense
Transform personal phrases into complex passwords. For example, changing "I want to go to Venice to eat ice cream" into "!W2g2V3n!323!c" increases complexity while retaining memorability. This approach combines personal significance with cryptographic strength, making passwords both secure and memorable.
Diversify your passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts. Reusing passwords amplifies the risks if one account is compromised. Unique passwords for each account limit the potential impact of a security breach.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) Enhance your security by using two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). These additional security layers require verification beyond just the password, adding an extra defence against unauthorised access. Enable 2FA or MFA on all your accounts for stronger protection.
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5 tips to create strong passwords
Prioritise length and complexity
Focus on creating passwords that are both long and diverse.
Steer clear of obvious choices like your pet's name or birth year. Passwords based on real words are vulnerable to dictionary attacks. Instead, use random combinations that are meaningful to you, ensuring they are unique and resistant to common hacking methods.
Use meaningful nonsense
Transform personal phrases into complex passwords. For example, changing "I want to go to Venice to eat ice cream" into "!W2g2V3n!323!c" increases complexity while retaining memorability. This approach combines personal significance with cryptographic strength, making passwords both secure and memorable.
Diversify your passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts. Reusing passwords amplifies the risks if one account is compromised. Unique passwords for each account limit the potential impact of a security breach.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) Enhance your security by using two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA). These additional security layers require verification beyond just the password, adding an extra defence against unauthorised access. Enable 2FA or MFA on all your accounts for stronger protection.
Also Read | How to prevent WhatsApp from auto-saving media to your gallery
