5 Tips to Stay Hack-free
May 2nd is World Password Day and we have some helpful tips to share with you for your digital security. We all know it can get hectic; we’re forgetful at times, and cannot remember our passwords. With today’s world becoming more digital and virtualized we are using more and more passwords every day. One of the most common ways hackers break into our computers is by guessing passwords. Simple and commonly used passwords enable intruders to easily gain access and control of a computer device. Here are some tips that can help you stay hack-free!
Do Not Use Personal Information
You should never use personal information as a part of your password. There are many programs now that can create a combination of your available personal information on social media to crack your passwords. It is just a matter of time until one of these programs gets the right combination and access to your account. Examples of personal information: first name, last name, date of birth, dog’s name, etc.
Go Random!
If you are interested in picking a really strong password, the best thing you can do is pick random words that have nothing to do with you personally. You can also generate something totally random by using a password generator. Password Generator from LastPass.
Skip Paper for Your Passwords
Even good passwords can become bad passwords if they are written down on a piece of paper or sticky note under your keyboard or at your desk somewhere. Implementing a software management solution limits the number of people who have access to your passwords, decreasing the risk of being hacked.
Use a Password Management Tool
A password manager will save you a lot of time dealing and getting frustrated with passwords, freeing up brain power to do actual work rather than trying to remember your passwords.
According to an often-quoted study by LastPass, The average user has 213 online accounts, so it’s no wonder people reuse passwords. LastPass can help you generate random passwords, remember them and autofill them in your account fields when needed.
You can also use biometric tools such as Samsung Pass for storing and managing passwords on your smartphone. Samsung Pass allows you to replace your access IDs and passwords with your biometrics. People forget passwords, but they can’t forget their biometrics, so this is a great tool as well.
Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A two-factor authentication system (aka 2FA) is a security method that requires two different ways of proving your identity. It works as a second layer of security in case someone gets hold of your password. While two-factor authentication doesn’t mean your accounts are immune to attacks, it does make your accounts more resilient, as a hacker needs to crack more than a simple password.
Here are some of the best two-factor authentication apps that you can use:
- Google Authenticator: Easiest to use
- LastPass Authenticator: Runner up
- Microsoft Authenticator
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