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Have you ever wondered if your password is strong enough? You aren’t alone! A staggering 90% of internet users worry that their passwords have been compromised. Here is our guide to understanding your internet security and choosing a safer password.
Firstly, you need to understand your password vulnerabilities
According to Web Tribunal, compromised credentials (login details and passwords) account for around 61% of data breaches. With an estimated 60% of workers using the same passwords for work and personal applications, a breach can be both far-reaching and costly. Here are some basic things to check to make sure you understand your password vulnerabilities.
Always know who has access to your data
It’s important to know who has access to your data. If you use multiple cloud services, make sure you understand who has access to each service. Also, consider using different passwords for each service. This will help prevent anyone from accessing your data by guessing your password.
Set up two-factor authentication
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself against hackers is to set up two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA requires users to enter an additional code when logging into their accounts, usually by SMS or email. This helps ensure that only authorised users can access your account and often you will receive notifications of logins as they happen.
Look for SSL certificates on the sites you join
SSL certificates guarantee that site traffic is encrypted, meaning your data is better protected when using the cloud service, or app. Details should be available either in the site footer or in the terms and conditions.
Monitor your activity online
If you use social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., then you need to monitor your activity online. It’s easy to forget that your online activities are also being monitored by others.
Be vigilant about phishing attacks
There are several ways that people try to hack into your cloud account. One of them is phishing attacks. A phishing attack is when an individual sends you a message pretending to come from a legitimate source. They might ask you to click on a link or enter sensitive information.
Need some more tips on general online security? Read our tips on avoiding data breaches.
How to secure your password in 6 simple steps
Your password should be long, complex, and unique. It should also include numbers, letters, and special characters. Make sure that you use different passwords for each account you have online. Here’s how to secure your password.
1. Choose a strong password
A good password should be at least eight characters long, contain both upper and lowercase letters, and include numbers and symbols. You should avoid using personal information such as birthdays, names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and credit card numbers.
2. Avoid common mistakes
If you use the same password across multiple accounts, you’re putting yourself at risk for identity theft. The same is true if you write your passwords down. Opportunists will take advantage of common password mistakes and mishandling.
3. Don't Reuse Passwords
It's easy to forget your password when logging into websites, so it's important to keep track of them. You should also avoid using the same password across different sites. Instead, choose unique passwords for each account. This will help prevent hackers from gaining access to your data.
4. Change your password regularly
Changing passwords regularly can help keep your data secure. We recommend a change every 3 months for each account.
5. Use a password manager
If you're not sure whether your current password is secure, use a password manager to generate random passwords for every site you visit. Then, store those passwords securely in one place. That way, you won't need to worry about remembering them.
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6. Use a different password for every site
It's also a good idea to use different passwords for each website you visit. This will help prevent anyone who gains access to one account from gaining access to others. You should also avoid using personal details such as birthdays, addresses, phone numbers, or other identifying information when creating new accounts.
Need help protecting your business data from being hacked?
Don’t leave your online accounts at risk anymore! Contact us today to review your current cloud account security and provide safer measures.