6 tips to master password security

12 Sep 2017
12 Sep 2017

Follow these six tips to ensure you have uncrackable passwords for your online accounts.

  1. Do not hand your password over to anyone, ever: No reputable organisation will ever ask for your password. However, scammers have been known to go as far as disguising themselves as IT technicians in order to access to people’s passwords. They usually make contact with victims via email or phone calls. This is known as social engineering. It has far-reaching and dangerous ramifications. Do not share your password with anyone – not even your best friend, or an ICTS consultant.
     
  2. Always use different passwords for all your different accounts: This way, if one account is compromised, the other accounts remain safe. Search the web for a ‘password manager’, which is a handy tool that stores all your passwords safely. You can then access your passwords using one master password – meaning that you don’t have to remember them all.
     
  3. Make your passwords long and strong: Use numbers, characters, and for the best passwords, use a passphrase. The longer your password, the better: security experts recommend using at least 8 characters. Read this article for some great tips, and check your password’s strength by visiting HowSecureIsMyPassword.
     
  4. Never use personal details for your password: Don’t use information that a hacker can easily guess. These would include things like your name, family names, pet’s names, and your birthday. Even though cyber criminals may not know you personally, they can get this information by looking over your social media accounts then making educated guesses about your passwords. (This is also why you should lock down your social media security settings.)
     
  5. Change your passwords regularly: Depending on the sensitivity of the information you are protecting, you should change your passwords every few months.
     
  6. Never leave it lying around: Studies have found that many people keep their passwords written down in drawers, in wallets, or even on sticky notes on their desks. This is a very risky practice. If you’re worried about forgetting them and want to store passwords, try using a password manager to keep them safe.