How well do your passwords protect you and your agency? Probably not as well as you think. In one recent test by a security firm, more than half of 625,000 passwords were easily breached by using common guessing techniques. The most common passwords used “123456″ followed by “Hello123″ and, not to be outdone, “password”. Hackers also are able to detect passwords by searching words that can be found in everyday language and conversation.
When was the last time you changed your passwords? If you’re due for an update, here are some ways to create a better and more secure password.
Mix it up. Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.
Make it memorable. Using a phrase can help make the password memorable. Just don’t forget to use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and characters. An example might be to turn “take me down to the river” into T@kemeDOWN2rvr.
Use a different password for each account. Never use the same password for multiple accounts. If one is breached, someone can easily get into your other accounts.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to have a different password for each account and to store your passwords in a secure location (such as a safe) away from your computer. And don’t forget to change your passwords several times each year. Check out these other ways you can protect your agency from cyber crime.