5 Ways to Make your Passwords More Secure
Passwords are intended to keep your sensitive information safe from prying eyes and cybercriminals. Everything nowadays takes place online –social media, financial details, and work-related data – and all of it mandates the use of passwords that must be securely kept to avoid being compromised by hackers.
Even when passwords protect critical information, a startling number of people don’t bother to think about them. Many folks may just be unsure how to secure their passwords. The suggested practices listed below will help you keep your passwords safe.
1) Never use the same password on too many websites
We are, as a whole, to blame for it, particularly in the event that we don’t use password managers and have a great many passwords for different accounts. We opt to utilize the same one for several log-ins rather than memorizing them all. Stop duplicating passwords since it puts your information at risk.
Reusing passwords across many accounts is a bad idea, as we’ve already stated. If someone discovers one of your reused passwords, they have access to all of your other accounts. Changing a root password that has a prefix or suffix is the same. YourName1 and YourName2 are two examples. Hackers won’t be able to access all of your accounts if you choose a different password for each one.
2) Use a strong password generator and create a unique password for any website
Strong passwords are the best protection from online information theft, yet they likewise safeguard the items in your phone on the off chance that it is lost or taken. The significance of selecting the perfect one cannot be overstated, and it should never be disregarded.
Cybercriminals can easily obtain your information if your passwords are “weak” or too frequently. Once a hacker has a list of stolen credentials, they can utilize password-cracking software to find thousands, if not millions, of passwords in a single operation. Avoid words, phrases, and numbers easily accessed on your social media sites while generating strong passwords. Birthdays and nicknames, pet names and anniversary dates, and phone numbers are poor choices.
Numerous tools are available to assist you if you cannot make your own decision. Consider using an online password generator for more complicated passwords.
3) Use a solution like LastPass or Google password manager to track your password
People use basic passwords because they have trouble memorizing long, complex combinations. Nobody wants to wrack their brains each time they log into an account or utilize the dreaded “forgot password?” button. It is simply unworkable. Luckily, you don’t need to pick between computerized security and simplicity. You can utilize all of the best password practices and store them safely in a password manager like LastPass or Google Password Manager for speedy access.
A password manager is a program that protects your passwords by storing them in an encrypted database. Your credentials are gotten by signing into the manager utilizing a password. Consequently, numerous password managers will fill in your saved passwords, so you just have to sign in to make changes. This is a significant time-saver, given how many accounts you’re likely to use in a given day.
4) Use a VPN when browsing “new” websites
A virtual private network, or VPN, hides your IP address and employs encryption to scramble data delivered over a wireless network, making your online activities virtually untraceable. Any data exchanged, except utilizing a private Wi-Fi network, seriously endangers your private data and browsing propensities. A virtual private organization (VPN) safeguards sensitive information and keeps it out of some unacceptable hands.
Password managers can only generate, store, and distribute passwords via encrypted platforms; they can’t block your IP address or online activities.
Let’s pretend you’re browsing in a cafe with free Wi-Fi. You might have to get to your ledger or social media profile, and you have a password manager that stores your data. Regardless of whether your passwords are secure, somebody associated with a similar network might have the option to screen your browsing or account movement. They might have the option to acquire access if you have saved credentials in an insecure manner. As an added degree of security, you’ll still need a safe and dependable VPN in this situation to encrypt your online activities.
There are a variety of VPN alternatives, just like password managers, with various functions. There are also paid and free VPNs available, each with different levels of security. It’s vital to explore the various VPN options, just like you would your password manager, to select one that provides the highest level of security without breaking the bank.
5) Always use 2fa
A hacker could try to log into your accounts using your password. Two-factor authentication is used to solve this problem. Two-factor authentication is a cybersecurity feature in which a person is permitted access only after giving two types of proof – like a One Time Password (OTP) that you receive on your contact number. In the end, it provides an additional layer of protection.
To be more clear, the two-factor authentication procedure includes an extra confirmation step notwithstanding a strong password, for example, a message pop-up, a security question, or an SMS code sent to your chosen device. Unless you combine the correct factors, two-factor authentication solutions can be insecure. Methods that use security tokens are reliant on the quality of the manufacturer, while biometric processes require reliable, secure software.
Some of the most popular online sites, such as Google, and Twitter, use “two-step” authentication, which entails safeguarding a password with a second number code. When you use two-factor authentication on Twitter, for example, you’ll be asked for a six-digit number after entering your password regularly. This code is delivered to your phone as a text message every 60 seconds and changes.
Passwords are unquestionably important for security, but they aren’t the only way to protect one’s devices. People should understand how to protect and use a solid password in addition to creating one. Taking the steps outlined above will help prevent hackers from accessing your accounts and stealing your personal information.
Protect Your Privacy
with Urban VPN
Download Urban VPN to enjoy complete online security and privacy while hiding IP address.
Free Download