Building an impenetrable wall: How to create strong and secure passwords

2023-05-31 09:47:50

In an increasingly connected world, where our personal and financial information is found online, the security of our passwords has become a paramount concern. We often hear news about security breaches and cyberattacks compromising millions of accounts. To protect our data, it is essential to understand how to create strong and secure passwords. In this article, we’ll explore best practices for designing passwords that are resistant to hacking attempts and provide a reliable defense for our valuable digital assets.

Length, the first step towards safety:

The first key aspect to create a secure password is its length. As hacking algorithms and techniques become more sophisticated, short passwords become increasingly vulnerable. We recommend using a minimum length of 12 characters, but the longer the password, the better. A good idea is to use a memorable phrase and turn it into a password by combining upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.

Avoid obvious personal information:

It’s important to avoid using obvious personal information in your passwords, such as your name, date of birth, or family names. Attackers can easily obtain this information from public sources or through social engineering techniques. Opt for character combinations that are not directly related to your personal life.

Diversity strengthens security:

A strong password should be diverse in terms of characters used. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to increase its complexity. Also, avoid predictable patterns like number sequences or keyboard combinations (for example, “123456” or “qwerty”).

Unique passwords for each account:

Often people tend to reuse their passwords across different accounts for convenience. However, this practice represents a serious security risk. If an attacker discovers a password, he will have access to all your accounts. Use a trusted password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account. This will ensure an additional layer of security and make it easier for you to manage multiple passwords.

Periodic password update:

Although it can be inconvenient, it is crucial to change your passwords regularly. We recommend updating them at least every three months. The reason behind this is that if there were ever to be a data breach or security breach, changing your passwords regularly will minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

Two-factor authentication:

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, typically a code generated by an app or sent via text message, in addition to your password. Be sure to enable this feature on all accounts that support it, as it is an effective measure to protect your data.

So, in today’s cyber threat landscape, creating strong passwords has become a must. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can significantly increase the security of your online accounts and protect your personal data. Remember that building a strong password is only the first step, you should complement it with other computer security practices, such as keeping your devices up to date and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or attachments. Online security is an ongoing effort, but with strong passwords and good practices, you can strengthen your defense against digital threats.