Change your password frequently
If you don’t choose strong passwords thoughtfully, clever hackers can easily compromise your privacy and security, causing devastating losses and very painful hassles.
Imagine the following scenario. I was casually scrolling through my favorite social media app from the comfort of my couch when I received a warning email from an unknown sender who claimed to have access to all of my personal information. Initially dismissed as a phishing scam, suspicion crept in.
Can passwords really be compromised?
Sadly, there have been instances where websites have suffered data breaches, exposing users’ personal information, including passwords. This means an attacker can obtain a database of usernames and passwords and use them to gain unauthorized access to your account. But don’t worry. I have a solution.
How to check if your password has been compromised
Thanks to Have I Been Pwned website Created by cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt, it allows you to see if your username, email address, or password was used in a public data breach. That way, we can determine if your personal information has been compromised and take necessary steps to protect your account, such as changing your password.
Here’s how to check:
Enter your information in the giant box and see if you are “pwned”. (haveibeenpwned.com)
Enter your information in the giant box and see if you are “pwned”.
Remember that passwords for important accounts should never be reused. A leak on one of her websites could give an attacker access to keys for other accounts. It’s time to change your password. (haveibeenpwned.com)
Remember that passwords for important accounts should never be reused. A leak on one of her websites could give an attacker access to keys for other accounts. It’s time to change your password.
How can I come up with a good password?
There are some basic rules for creating good passwords that are hard for hackers to break in. By following these guidelines, you can narrow down what you should and shouldn’t use.
Make sure your password is at least 12 characters long
The longer the password and the more characters the hacker has to try, the better the results. Some sites require passwords to be a certain number of characters, but we generally recommend at least 12-14 characters or more.
Include numbers, symbols, upper and lower case letters
Again, the more variety, the better. Make everything as random as possible to keep hackers out. For example, a password like “d%A$r(T496” is much harder to crack than “dart496”.
Don’t let creepy crooks trick you into giving them access to your computer
Avoid dictionary terms
Using a single word as a password is not a good idea. It’s too easy for a hacker to make one lucky guess from common dictionaries like “cat” or “apple”. Even dictionary word combinations like “blue car” are too simple passwords.
don’t use substitutes
Replacing letters with common symbols can also lead to bad news. For example, if you want to use the word ‘smart’ but write ‘$mart’ instead, it’s too obvious because the $ sign and the letter S are so similar.
We recommend using a password manager to help you generate strong, unique passwords for each site you use.
Beware of new MACSTEALER malware that can steal ICLOUD keychain data and passwords
What is Password Manager?
A password manager is an app or software that helps you create, store, and manage your passwords in one place.
With a password manager, you don’t have to worry about remembering complex passwords or entering them every time you log in.
Instead, you only need to remember one master password to access your account. Additionally, most password managers come with a built-in password generator that lets you create strong, unique passwords for each account.
As for the best password managers I currently pick, CyberGuy.com/password
cyberguy screenshot (Kurt Knottson)
By using one of these password managers, you can be sure that your accounts and passwords are protected. Plus, with the bonus of “Have I Been Pwned” database integration, you’ll be alerted if your password is exposed and can quickly take steps to protect your account.
final thoughts
Now you can use a password manager and check your passwords with “Have I Been Pwned” to protect your online accounts from cybercriminals who just want access to your private information. Remember the internet is a wild place. We encourage you to stay vigilant and use tools that make life easier and safer. Go ahead and jump in. thank you for your password.
How to password protect email messages
Let us know at What password manager do you use and why? CyberGuy.com/contact.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
For more of my tips, click to subscribe to the free CyberGuy Report Newsletter. “Free mail magazine” Link at the top of my website.
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
