Although we know that using a strong password is essential for staying protected online, we don’t always do what we say. We’ve all sinned by using our street name or our first pet’s name as passwords, and used that same password on all our online accounts out of pure convenience. And I’ll admit, there was a time when my phone didn’t even have a password because it was easier and much faster. I understand that sometimes we’re lazy to enter our password every time we log into an account, but it’s never recommended to sacrifice our security for convenience, especially on devices or accounts that store extremely personal information like bank details or our address. A sophisticated password helps you protect your online banking, emails, and personal information from prying eyes.
Yes, we know strong passwords are essential for keeping our accounts secure, but let’s face it: humans are habit-ridden creatures. We love using the same password on multiple accounts, using memorable birthdays or nicknames, or simply not changing the default passwords on our devices.
Consejos para crear contraseñas seguras
The current climate is a constant reminder that passwords should always be our priority (they’re so important that we’ve even dedicated a World Password Day to them). History has shown us that hackers love bad passwords, so using passwords that are too easy for important accounts will increase your susceptibility to being hacked. To make sure you don’t take a security faux pas, check out these tips for creating strong passwords:
-Don’t use real words: If your password contains a dictionary word, change it! Don’t use the name of your favorite flower or your pet’s name. Instead, try using a made-up word, a slang term, or a word that doesn’t make sense. The harder the better.
– Anything goes: Since almost all password readers are case-sensitive, consider mixing upper and lowercase letters for extra security. Add some numbers and symbols to make it more complicated, and avoid using your birthday as a password, or the typical sequence 123456.
– Say goodbye to default passwords: Virtually every modern device, from your new smart thermostat to the drone you got for your birthday, comes with a default password. As soon as you take your gadget out of the box and set it up, change the password and be sure to update it regularly.
-There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all password: Don’t use the same password for different accounts. Even if it’s annoying to remember all your passwords, the foolproof security will make the effort worthwhile. There are password manager apps like True Key that can help you keep track of your login information and create unique and secure passwords.
Also, remember to regularly change your passwords on all your devices and accounts, as this makes it harder for cybercriminals to access your personal information. Protecting your accounts and devices both wired and wirelessly will keep hackers at bay.