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Do you want to find out more about password best practices, cyber risks, and the most common mistake people do when creating password?
Creating strong and secure passwords is crucial in protecting your online accounts from unauthorized access. Here are some best practices to follow:
Use a Mix of Characters: Incorporate uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This makes it harder for attackers to guess your password.
Length Matters: Aim for a password that is at least 12 characters long. Longer passwords are more difficult to crack.
Avoid Common Words and Phrases: Do not use easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words. Instead, use random combinations of words and characters.
Unique Passwords for Each Account: Never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, others could be at risk.
Use a Password Manager: A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords securely, so you don’t have to remember each one.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever possible, enable MFA for an extra layer of security. This typically involves a secondary verification step, such as a code sent to your phone.
Weak passwords can expose you to a multitude of cyber risks. Here are some common threats:
Brute Force Attacks: Attackers use automated tools to try every possible combination until they guess your password. Short and simple passwords are particularly vulnerable.
Credential Stuffing: If you reuse passwords, attackers can use credentials from one breached site to access your accounts on other sites.
Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals trick you into revealing your password through fake websites or emails. Strong, unique passwords combined with MFA can mitigate the risk.
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: If your password is intercepted during transmission, attackers can gain access to your account. Ensure you use secure, encrypted connections (look for HTTPS in the URL).
Data Breaches: Even large organizations can be breached, exposing your passwords. Regularly update your passwords and use unique ones to minimize damage from such breaches.
Despite knowing the importance of strong passwords, many people still make common mistakes that compromise their security:
Using Predictable Patterns: Many people use simple patterns like “123456,” “password,” or “qwerty.” These are the first combinations attackers try.
Relying on Personal Information: Avoid using easily accessible personal information such as your name, birthdate, or pet’s name. This information can often be found on social media profiles.
Using Short Passwords: Short passwords are easier to remember but also easier to crack. Always aim for a minimum of 12 characters.
Not Changing Default Passwords: Many devices come with default passwords, which are often known to attackers. Always change default passwords immediately.
Neglecting Regular Updates: Passwords should be changed regularly, especially if there’s any suspicion that they may have been compromised.
Skipping Multi-Factor Authentication: Even strong passwords can be compromised. MFA adds an essential extra layer of security that many people overlook.
By following these best practices, understanding the risks, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly enhance the security of your online accounts. Use our Password Strength Checker to ensure your passwords are robust and secure.
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts might seem convenient, but it significantly increases your risk of falling victim to cyber attacks. Here’s how hackers exploit reused passwords and why you should avoid this practice:
Credential Stuffing Attacks: When a data breach occurs, millions of email and password combinations can be exposed. Hackers use these stolen credentials to perform credential stuffing attacks. They use automated tools to try these combinations on numerous websites, hoping to gain access to other accounts where the same password is used.
Brute Force Attacks: Even if a password is relatively strong, if it’s reused, it becomes a weak link in your security chain. Hackers systematically attempt known passwords on various accounts, leveraging the likelihood that people reuse their passwords.
Password Spraying: In this technique, attackers use a few commonly used passwords (like “Password123” or “12345678”) across many different accounts. Since these passwords are frequently reused, it increases the chances of a successful breach.
Exploiting Third-Party Breaches: If you reuse a password on multiple sites, a breach on one site can compromise your security on others. For example, if a low-security site is breached and you’ve used the same password on a more critical site (like your bank or email), hackers can gain access to your sensitive information.
Imagine you have an account with a popular online retailer, and your email is “[email protected]” with the password “ShopSecure2023”. If this retailer is breached and your credentials are leaked, hackers will have your email and password. They will then use automated tools to test these credentials on other popular sites, such as banking, email, and social media platforms. If you’ve reused “ShopSecure2023” on any of these sites, hackers can easily gain access to those accounts.
Use Unique Passwords for Each Account: Ensure that every account has a distinct password. This way, if one account is compromised, others remain secure.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA provides an additional layer of security. Even if hackers obtain your password, they would still need the secondary authentication factor to access your account.
Use a Password Manager: Password managers generate and store complex, unique passwords for each account, removing the need to remember multiple passwords.
Monitor for Breaches: Regularly check if your email addresses have been involved in a data breach using services like Have I Been Pwned. Change your passwords immediately if they have been compromised.
Regularly Update Passwords: Periodically change your passwords, especially for critical accounts, to reduce the risk of prolonged exposure if one is compromised.
By understanding the risks associated with reusing passwords and taking proactive measures, you can protect your online accounts from being exploited. Use our Password Strength Checker to create and verify strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
Our Password Strength Checker tool provides general guidance on password security and is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee complete protection against cyber threats. Users are responsible for their own password security, including using unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating passwords.
This tool is provided “as is” without any warranties. We are not liable for any loss or damage resulting from its use. For personalized security advice, consult a cybersecurity professional. Use our tool as part of a broader security strategy to protect your accounts.
We do not store any information about you or any passwords you check using this tool.
