Online security is essential, especially since you have everything at stake if you’re hacked. Getting hacked could mean your bank account is emptied, your social media presence is jeopardised or your online identity is stolen.
While hack-proof passwords remain essential, most people have not taken heed of its importance. According to Splashdata, the most popular password, “123456” remains unchanged since 2011. This provides cyber criminals with an easy way to attack online accounts.
According to BusinessTech, the following eight password tips should help you to hack-proof your online passwords:
- Do not share your passwords with anyone.
- Do not enable the “remember me” function on your laptop/computer/phone. If someone accesses your device, they will be able to enter your bank account, social media accounts, shopping sites etc.
- Do not use personal information as this is extremely predictable. For example, avoid any significant dates and details like your partner’s name, birthday, your birthday, your dog’s name etc.
- Keep your password long. Ideally, you want to aim for at least six characters but 12 characters is even better if the site allows it.
- Select a combination of numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Avoid using real words that can be found in the dictionary. For example, thplX209v2x would be a stronger password than Olympics2016.
- Use different passwords for different accounts. If someone discovers the password to your social media or banking account for instance, you wouldn’t want them to be able to approve changes or transactions via your email because they are able to hack your email as well.
- A password generator tool can be used to create strong passwords.
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