Why Changing Your Online Passwords Is Important
In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding your online information is more crucial than ever. Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers, and keeping them secure can protect you from serious data breaches. Let's break down why updating passwords matters and how simple it can be to keep your accounts safe.
Why Hackers Target Passwords
Cybercriminals are always on the hunt for easy ways into our accounts. Passwords often top their list. Hackers use a variety of tactics to gain access, including:
Database Breaches: When hackers break into large databases, they collect millions of passwords. If your password is in one of these leaks, hackers may try it on multiple sites, potentially accessing your accounts.
Database Hacks: Hackers often target backup databases. This means a backup of the main database on a server in a different physical location. These databases are less secure and easier to hack. But the information on these backups might be 6 months or older. If you never change your password, it is likely your accounts will be hacked by hackers using passwords from these older, less secure storage databases which are still active passwords.
Phishing Attacks: These scams often come as fake emails or websites designed to mimic trusted sources, like your bank or email provider. They prompt you to enter login details, which hackers then capture.
Once a hacker gets hold of your password, they can access sensitive information, including personal and financial details. From there, they might commit identity theft, make purchases in your name, take money out of your bank account or even take out loans.
How to Protect Your Passwords
The good news? Protecting your passwords is easier than you might think. Start with these simple guidelines:
Use a Password Book: An address book works great. File each website with password under the appropriate letter for that website. Then date your passwords. So you know when you last changed them.
Avoid Personal Information: Skip birthdays, names, and easy-to-guess details.
Don’t Reuse Passwords: Using the same password across accounts makes it easier for hackers. Each account should have its own, distinct password.
Change Regularly: Consider updating bank, email, social and health account passwords every 6 months to 1 year, or sooner if you suspect your account has been compromised.
Creating and Managing Strong Passwords
Building strong passwords can feel overwhelming, but the best way to protect your online accounts. Following these steps may help:
Keep It Long: Passwords should be at least 12 characters.
Mix It Up: Combining strings of unrelated words with numbers and symbols is a great way to get a long password. Ex: HappyHipposSinging13$&. It’s also easy to remember.
Stay Unique: Never reuse passwords between banks, email, social or health accounts.
Save Passwords to Your Browser: Make sure your computer is password protected and protected by solid security like the protection offered by Securely.
Don’t Use Password Managers: These tools are DANGEROUS. Most of these companies are located outside the US. Imagine handing over all your passwords to a company in Russia?!
By implementing these simple steps, you can create a barrier that helps keep your personal information safe from hackers. Passwords may seem like a small thing, but they’re essential in keeping your digital world secure.
