Upon first blush, you might think that the three things in this blog post title have absolutely nothing to do with one another, and in a way, you would be correct, but much like finding patterns in randomness, these three things make perfect sense for this post.
I was recently at a networking meeting where an IT firm was giving a presentation on cyber security. If you’ve ever been to one of these, you have heard the horror stories of companies systems being hacked and held for ransom or worse.
That would make anyone’s skin crawl, but this time, I was cringing for a much different reason. The security advice being given to a room of 60 business folks was just…BAD.
All websites, no matter the content, are targets for cyber criminals. Sometimes the hackers just want to break in to say they did, and some others can have far more nefarious motives.
Either way, you are looking at more of a when, not if, your website will be attacked. So what can you do to keep yourself safe?
Choosing a Strong Password
When it comes to choosing a strong password, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, your password should be unique and not easily guessable. This means avoiding common phrases or words that can be found in a dictionary.
For example, NEVER use Password1234! This is used by a lot of people who are regularly hacked, and it’s one of the first things a hacker may guess. Other common passwords you should avoid include admin, 123456, and qwerty123.
Unique Passwords
Consider the length of your password. The longer it is, the harder it will be for hackers to crack. One best practice is using passwords that are at least 12 characters long.
By using unique passwords for each account, you can greatly reduce the risk of your online information being compromised. JCD Promotions values the security and privacy of our users, which is why we strongly recommend creating strong and unique passwords for your accounts.
To create a strong and unique password, try using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using personal information such as birth dates or names in your passwords. It’s also important to regularly change your passwords every few months to further increase security.
Length and Resets
You should also regularly update your passwords. Set a reminder every few months to change them, especially for important accounts such as banking or email. It may be an inconvenience, but it greatly increases the security of your accounts.
Creating different passwords for different accounts is also important. While it may seem convenient to use the same password for all your online accounts, if one account gets hacked, then all of your accounts become vulnerable.
Don’t Reuse Passwords
While it’s very important to use unique passwords for each account, not just different variations of the same password, don’t forget to use a new password each time you reset it. This will help keep your accounts secure and help protect you from potential hackers.
Password Managers and Authenticators
In addition to strong passwords, consider enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code or physical device in addition to your password for login.
Many websites and services now offer this option, and some are even free, so be sure to take advantage of it.
A password manager is also helpful in keeping information safe. This is a secure program that stores all of your passwords in one place, requiring you to only remember one master password.
This not only makes it easier for you, but also ensures that each account has a unique and strong password.
So how do you pick a secure password?
I like to look around the room I’m in and choose words that don’t appear to go together. Take this blog title for example. If you remove the spaces, it actually makes a great password!
Popcorn,1SpareTire&Security
It has capital letters, special characters, no common phrases, and isn’t easily guessable by anyone! Choosing a strong, secure password really is that simple. Choosing passwords based on random items near you or ideas at the moment keeps them unpredictable and secure.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, robust password security is not just an option—it’s a necessity. By following these guidelines—creating unique, complex passwords, using a password manager, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your credentials—you can significantly enhance your online security.
Remember, your password is often the first line of defense against cyber threats. Take the time to implement these practices across all your accounts. It may seem like extra work now, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and protection against potential security breaches.
Stay vigilant, stay secure, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your passwords. After all, who would guess that “Popcorn,1SpareTire&Security” could be the key to your digital fortress?
