While creating secure passwords is the first step toward effective password security, ensuring that they remain secure requires additional systems and tricks. We’ve outlined some additional steps to help you maintain your password’s effectiveness, as well as some tips to avoid common pitfalls that can come with utilizing secure passwords.
Your password is a form of authentication or verifying that you are an account’s owner. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), then, is an extra level of confirmation added to the process of logging into your accounts. So, even if your password was stolen or cracked, the hackers would need an extra layer of proof to break into your account.
MFA comes in many forms, like scanning your fingerprint, using a code sent to your email address or cell phone, or using a separate app to confirm you’re the owner trying to gain access. This added layer of protection ensures that, even if a bad actor had your password, they can’t bypass the second layer of protection.
You may be wondering how you’re supposed to keep track of highly complex passwords that change every three months. Password management tools can help! Companies like Bitwarden offer services that keep your passwords stored securely so that you can access them quickly.
You can also sign up for free services that notify you if any website or service you use has been compromised, such as haveibeenpwned.com.
Using the ‘Forgot Password’ option on your accounts because your passwords are highly complex and difficult to remember gets annoying fast. Fortunately, there are ways to combine complexity and memorability in a way that maintains effective password security!
One tip is to use passphrases. These are a series of unrelated words combined into a long phrase, like, ‘moon trampoline crustacean.’ Make it even more complex by throwing in upper case characters and some symbols and numbers, such as ‘MO0N TR@mpol1ne cru$tacean##’
Another option touted by security expert Bruce Schneier is to break down a simple sentence into a complex password. Here are some examples:
The more unique or uncommon the original sentence, the better!
Creating a strong password is the first line of defense against hackers, but you don’t have to stop there. At KAPCOM, we utilize the best cybersecurity programs and practices available in the industry to ensure that your business’s devices and accounts remain secure. Interested in taking your cybersecurity to the next level? Contact us today!
