Online passwords are a potential gateway to all your information for hackers. If decoded, your data can be used against you by malicious parties for dangerous purposes and financial loss or threat. The troubling thing is that such attempts are easy as a hacker would try using sophisticated algorithms to crack the nut. However, you have the ultimate leverage of making your accounts bulletproof firsthand, so that it becomes tough for them to succeed.
Tips for Securing Password
We will walk you through some important tips to keep your online passwords secure – Online VPNs, two-factor authentication, complex passwords, refreshing passwords frequently, and more.
1. Make Complex Passwords
It is unusually tricky for hackers to decode a complex online password. Well, that certainly doesn't mean you put all decimals of the Pi value into your password. Some people complain about not remembering their passwords easily if they are not simple. An ExpressVPN survey shows that 76% of US people have reported getting logged out due to forgetting their password.
The trick is to think of something that is relatable to you and then put it in such a manner that it is hard to crack it, almost like a symbolic riddle. Use numeric code, short and capital characters, and symbols such as $^%#*@ in between. For example, if you were to write "chocolate pie" as your password because it is your favorite dessert, try using something like 62$cH0c0_L_@t3^3.14 instead. That will give hackers a hard time cracking your favorite "pie."
2. Use VPNs
VPNs are a way to hide your server location, therefore making it hard for hackers to identify your location and direct any attack. The idea of using a VPN is that you pretend you are from an area that is far from your country of origin so hackers have no idea where you are using the internet. You may want to download software that provides you with this service. However, make sure to use quality VPNs as relying on just any software that pops up on your application store may have a virus. That would only add more trouble and before you know it, your files and system may get corrupted. That is why it is recommended to install anti-virus software whenever you download a VPN.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Thankfully, the use of 2FA is more common today than ever before. 2FA did wonders for improving cybersecurity and is an important step to a safe experience. It means that you would have to use another platform in addition to the one you are logging into so it is certain that it is you who is trying to log in. That makes sense because anyone using another device could log in to your account and you'd have no idea otherwise. Be sure to use two-factor authentication wherever it applies. Using your SIM number is the ideal second platform where you will be asked to authorize the log-in activity. Some people may use their email accounts, but that can be risky as the intruder may also be trying to break into your email account at the same time.
4. Frequently Change Passwords
Don't keep the same password for years, and even months. It increases the chances of their algorithm working against you more efficiently, so make sure you keep changing your passwords to give them a hard time. Some people make only subtle changes to their passwords, such as changing the order of words or characters. It wouldn't do any good as it may backfire on you; the hacker might be trying that change of order in their algorithm. So, it is much better to come up with a completely new password, this time too with something relevant to your life but with tricky characters.
5. Don't Use the Same Passwords
One of the most common mistakes people make is that they use the same passwords for multiple platforms. That is plainly a mistake that can put you in big trouble. Imagine you have the same password for your email account as you do with your social media accounts. Now, if the hacker is clever, which they probably are, they might directly attack your email account, which is the primary controller of all your email accounts. Next thing you know, all your social media accounts are hijacked. To avoid such a blunder, practice using the art of irrelevance, which is a skill that finds its unique applications, in setting secure passwords, to say the least.
6. Use Touch IDs Wherever Possible
Many platforms now enable you to use touch IDs to secure your accounts in the best way possible. Whenever such an option comes up, don't forget to use it. A touch ID is undeniably one of the hardest to trick hackers (unless you are kidnapped). Face password authorization and your thumbprint do wonders in securing your online passwords. If you have a community or business with sensitive data, try downloading special locking apps that work with this artificial intelligence technology. Use such IDs in your phone photo albums, contact list, and other potentially vulnerable data files. That will put you under cover if by any means your device gets misplaced or stolen.
7. Use Wireless Connections with Care
There are a lot of Wi-Fi options that allow your device to connect anywhere to the internet. While that seems an attractive option to use the web for free, that is often the means through which hackers attack your device and extract sensitive data from your device. It also includes your online passwords, so make sure you don't fall into such a trap. Be completely sure about the server provider and check its authenticity. Only then, you should think about it. However, avoid dialing in your passwords in such situations as it comes with a risk.
Final Words
As you can see, there are a lot of considerations you need to take into account in order to make your online passwords secure. Whether it is installing a VPN, having a two-factor authorization, or getting a touch ID system, all these measures help in making your internet passwords strong against potential hacking.
