Sometimes, it’s good to get back to the basics. Passwords are the cornerstone of every online account, and a unique and complex password can make all the difference to your online security. There are a few best password practices you should follow. And if you’re not sure what those are, you’re in luck.
We want to share a few password tips and tricks with you. Things that will make your online activity easier. But, at the very least, it will make all your online accounts more secure. So, keep reading!
Password security tips
Whether you’re reading this article for yourself or trying to figure out how to keep your company’s data more secure, some password security tips will protect you against common threats.
Don’t reuse passwords.
It should be common sense. But just in case it’s not, there are always password breaches. So, if one of your accounts is compromised, using the same password means the hacker will now have access to all your accounts. Do yourself a favor and mix it up – even if you’re changing one character.
Find out if your password has been stolen.
Many resources online will let you check if one of your online accounts has been breached. If you’re an iOS or macOS user, there are native tools in Settings and System Preferences, respectively, that will also let you know.
It is a great tool to see if one of your passwords has been exposed, making it easy to change your other accounts using the same password.
Always use two-factor
If any of your online accounts allow you to set up two-factor authentication, use it! Sure, it can be a nuisance and an extra step, but that additional precaution could save you from having your data exposed and leaked to the internet.
Avoid common words
Unfortunately, people often use easy-to-remember and famous words as their passwords. But the problem is that many people use them, making your password less secure. So, if you can avoid famous words and common phrases, it will protect you in the long run.
Stay away from obvious passwords.
There are a handful of common passwords that you might be surprised to learn many people use. It happens because people think they’re being clever, but instead, they’re just repeating clichés. You’ll want to avoid passphrases that include things like “password,” “backspace,” and “1234.”
Password management best practices
Keeping those universal tips in mind, there are a handful of password best practices you can use to keep your accounts safe.
Write your passwords down.
You are keeping your passwords written down on a piece of paper is widely considered to be a bad thing. But if that is what keeps you from reusing the same password across all of your accounts, by all means, go for it. Password managers aren’t for everybody, so if you’d like to keep your passwords written down in a journal or a sticky note, do it. But please, don’t leave that sticky note stuck to your computer.
Don’t change them regularly.
It is something new that’s been coming up in recent years. While many companies will make you change your password periodically, if this practice makes it too hard for you to remember, you’re not doing anyone any favors. If you can use a complex password of either or more characters, leave it alone. Don’t worry about changing it every 30 days.
Length over complexity
Again, many websites in the past have tried to push more complex passwords. But the truth is that a longer password can be more secure in many instances.
Best practices for password security for employees
For employees looking to improve their cybersecurity at work, most of what was mentioned above can also significantly impact their work accounts. However, you can do a few things to cater specifically to your company accounts.
Use a password manager for employees.
A password manager that generates unique passcodes can significantly impact your online safety. Apps like 1Password will generate completely random passwords that are then stored. It works specifically with the intention that no one else has access to your passwords or would even try to figure one out.
Don’t use text codes for two-factor
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication can be a huge lifesaver for most people. But enabling a text or SMS two-factor could make things easier for a hacker, which is why most websites require you to use an app like Google Authenticator instead.
Remember, there’s no such thing as being too safe regarding online security. Bad actors are lurking around the internet, trying to find their next victim. The last thing you’d want to see is your private information floating around the web. Or worse, finding out you were responsible for a significant cybersecurity breach at your company. Take these tips and tricks and see what steps you can take to strengthen your passwords.