Protect Yourself From These Right Password Mistakes - Phones

Protect Yourself From These Right Password Mistakes - Phones - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum › Science/Technology › Phones › Protect Yourself From These Right Password Mistakes (694 Views)

Protect Yourself From These Right Password Mistakes by Emmanuel226(op): 7:24pm On Jan 28, 2020*

Password hacking is becoming more common these days. It is so unfortunate because passwords are supposed to keep you safe! Well, that is if you use a good and strong one. Otherwise, hackers can easily steal it and attack their finances, identity, and privacy. Protect yourself today by avoiding the common password mistakes below.

1. Using the same password for multiple websites

It is convenient for you, and for hackers, too. One log-in credential allows hackers to access all your accounts across multiple platforms.

2. Never updating your passwords

Update your passwords once a year, especially if you use common, easy to guess keys. However, if you have a strong and unique password, you can change your password as vulnerabilities to affected services come up. But hopefully not!

3. Failing to add numbers and special characters

Inject as many numbers and symbols to your password as possible. This makes it unique and difficult for an unknown entity to guess. Substituting symbols for alphabets is also a good idea.

4. Keeping it too short

Passwords with significant length are more secure. Choose a key that is at least 15 characters long to make it resistant to both online brute-forcing and offline hash cracking.

5. Not taking data breach news seriously.

Breached data are always sold to people with malicious intent. One account breached exposes all of your accounts so always take the news of data breaches seriously.

6. Choosing passwords impossible to memorize

Choosing a random string of characters is not a good idea. If you cannot memorize it, you will have to write it down somewhere, making it vulnerable to discovery.

7. Not securing passwords correctly

Some devices have very good password storage services like Google and Apple. You can use these to protect your data, or simply memorize them to lower risks of breaches.

8. Modifying your password slightly

Some websites or apps do not allow you to use the same password. What is the easiest solution? Add a number or symbol at the end. This is an extremely common mistake. Hackers do not even need to make an effort in stealing your account!