Password Protection

How to stay secure online

Almost every week this year one of my friends or acquaintances has been hacked. Cyberattacks have increased in 2022 and mostly revolve around password breaches because we still don’t take our passwords seriously. Almost 70% of people use one password over multiple websites and accounts. This means that if you experience a breach all your accounts (including those you may have forgotten about) can be at risk. If you think replacing some letters with numbers or adding extra characters will keep you safe, thing again. Hackers use sophisticated software to quickly guess variations on a basic password. The only way to increase security is to use random unique passwords for each account. This can seem intimidating, but password managers exist to create and protect your passwords. Lots of people create a random unique password for their bank or work account and stick with a single password for accounts they deem lower risk. Unfortunately to a hacker even the basic information such as an email address or phone number is valuable data they can use to impersonate you. It’s a bore but use random unique passwords for ALL accounts. I have tried to persuade friends of mine to invest in password manager software (NOT a free download from the internet). A password manager will create unique, single-use passwords AND autofill them as long as they are tied to that account. This means that even if you accidentally click on a phishing link, the password manager should recognise that it’s not the legitimate account and flag up a warning or refuse to autofill. Norton, RoboForm, Dashlane and LastPass are four password managers (there are many others), and costs vary. Mine is an annual subscription and works across my phone, tablet, and laptop. If you don’t have a password manager (and you should have one...really...get one now) then create passwords that are hard to guess by choosing words that are personal to you but not personal information such as name, or birth date. Think of song lyrics, or your primary teachers, or your favourite shade of nail polish! Three unconnected words with some numbers and symbols are a good start. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long. And don’t be tempted by Facebook and Twitter ‘fill in the blank quizzes’ of the ‘My first car was a...’ or ‘My first pet was named...’ variety. They are generally exercises in data mining. We’ve all been asked to sign up to multi-factor authentication systems for bank accounts, PayPal, or eBay etc. There is usually opt out button, but don’t. Even the most complex passwords can be compromised. A multi-factor authentication creates an extra layer of protection between you and a potential hacker by requiring verification in excess of your password when you log in. Generally, this involves a one-time password sent to you via SMS or email. It’s an extra step, but one worth having, so turn it on whenever it’s offered. It’s tempting to think that you won’t be hacked, but every time you use the internet you are a potential target. My three rules are: Assume you are unsafe online always. Change passwords regularly and close down old accounts. Investigate new authentication technology early and adopt it. Stay Safe!

TEMPLARS CROSS LODGE

www.templarscrosslodge.co.uk

Close to Baldock town centre in spacious surroundings this motel style Bed & Breakfast offers off road parking.

• CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST • LARGE LUXURY EN-SUITE ROOMS • FREE WIFI INTERNET ACCESS • DIGITAL /SATELLITE TV WITH SPORT & FILMS • FRIDGE IN ROOM • PRIVATE LOCATION • CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION • MAJOR CREDIT CARDS TAKEN

Tel: 07970 162753

Email: ami@amcofm.co.uk or sally@amcofm.co.uk North Road, Baldock, Hertfordshire SG7 5DN