Is your password your best-kept secret?

We all have secrets. Some we are ashamed to share and some we are afraid to share. Where does your password fit in? In practice, it should be a little bit of both. It is common sense to know the dangers and outcomes of sharing your passwords.

According to the Norton Cyber Security Insights Report, a surprising 40% of Millennials are happy to share their passwords. One would imagine the generation that grew up with the Internet would exhibit more secure digital practices, however, it was observed that the younger generation didn’t show much restraint when it comes to sharing passwords.


Why do we need strong passwords?

We have heard it over and over again. Using strong passwords ensures a safe digital life.

A robust password not only protects your computer from viruses, malware and ransomware attacks, it also protects you from identity theft. A password that once protected your devices now protects you.

Using the same passwords across different websites poses a large risk. If one of the websites you use experiences a data breach, all of the other sites that you use the same password on are now at risk as well.


What makes a password secure?

In order to protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords, make sure you use a combination of at least 10 upper and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. The key is to make it difficult for attackers to access your information by changing your passwords every three months and not reusing passwords for multiple accounts. That way, if a cybercriminal gets your password, they can’t access all of your accounts.

With our digital lives intertwined with our daily life, it can be overwhelming to try and keep track of all websites and apps and the passwords that go with it. Using a good password manager like Norton Identity Safe makes logging into your favorite sites easier and more secure. This free app keeps your passwords synchronized across different computers, browsers, and mobile devices.



Tips to keep your password secure

Always log off when you are done using your device. Make sure you use different passwords for each of your accounts.

Change your passwords often. Experts recommend changing it every three months and not using the same password for a year.

Use a comprehensive Internet security suite to keep all your devices safe from malware and viruses that can steal your password.

Do not enter passwords when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections (like at the airport or coffee shop)—hackers can intercept your passwords and data over this unsecured connection. If you are compelled to do to make sure your information is encrypted. Norton Secure VPN lets you surf the web anonymously so that your privacy is protected.

Use two-factor authentication where it is available. This adds an extra layer of authentication in addition to your password to access your accounts. Regards:norton.com/setup | office.com/setup | mcafee.com/activate

Comments

Popular Posts