Passwords are used daily to control access and secure data. Using a strong password is essential to keeping your information safe, as well as stopping potential security issues. Here are some tips about using passwords:
Create a Strong Password – Creating a strong password can stop many basic attacks on your accounts. Passwords, such as “CompanyName123” or “password123” are not considered strong and can be compromised using simple trial and error attacks such as a Dictionary Attack.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication When Possible – Multi-Factor Authentication uses multiple ways to verify that the person logging into an account is the person who is supposed to have access to the account. Having a second form of authentication will protect your account, even if your password is compromised. Multi-Factor Authentication can be activated on most major web platforms today, such as banking platforms. This can include using a text message to your cell phone, a phone call, or a generated PIN code.
Never Share Your Password or Account – Not only is this a violation of many different platforms’ policies, but sharing an account or your password is never a good idea. Sharing a password that you use on several accounts can lead to your other accounts being vulnerable. This can mean that you are responsible for whatever action that the unauthorized party does on your account.
Use a Different Password for Each Account – Using a different password on each account will keep your accounts secure if one or more of your other accounts have been compromised.
Use a Password Manager – Remembering a large number of passwords becomes tough and hard to handle. You can use a password manager, which can store and encrypt all of your passwords, and allow you to obtain the passwords by using a master password. There are free options, such as KeePass, or paid options such as 1Password.
Non-Recommended Ways to Save Passwords
While utilizing different passwords for systems is a great practice, the benefits are gone when you save the password in a non-secure medium. Below are some non-secure ways to save your passwords:
- Excel Worksheet – While you can password-protect an Excel sheet, this password can be removed in a matter of a few minutes.
- Writing Passwords on Notes – While you may be able to carry this book or paper with you, it can easily be lost. Furthermore, if you write passwords on sticky notes, it’s possible for someone to walk up to your desk and take a picture of your password.
- Inside of a Word or Excel document on a Cloud Service – While you may believe that this is secure, as it’s not a physical item, a malicious actor (attacker, hacker, etc.) could obtain access to your main account and then have access to this file.