
Unlock the Secrets: 10 Expert Tips for Creating a Secure Password
As we kick off the new year, it's the perfect time to focus on basic password and security maintenance. Here are some essential tips to help you protect your personal and business information:
Avoid Using Personal Information
Never use personal details in your passwords, especially those shared on social media or publicly online.
Exclude birthdates, names (yours, family, pets), graduation years, street names, hometowns, or other meaningful connections.
Why it matters: Publicly accessible details are a goldmine for hackers, making your accounts more vulnerable.
Use Unique Passwords for Each Account
Reusing the same password across multiple accounts can lead to significant security risks. If one account gets compromised, all others become exposed.
Key recommendation: Make every password unique and unpredictable.
Why it matters: About 80% of breaches involve reused or weak passwords. Unique passwords for each account mitigate cascading risks.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security. Even if your password is compromised, a second verification method helps thwart unauthorized access.
How to enable MFA: Look for the "Security" or "Settings" tab in your accounts and activate two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
Why it matters: MFA blocks 99.9% of account hacking attempts.
Be Cautious When Entering Passwords in Public
Think twice before logging into accounts over public Wi-Fi or on shared devices. Shoulder surfing is real, and unsecured networks can expose your data.
Tips: Avoid entering sensitive information on public computers or when others can see your screen. Use a VPN if you must use public Wi-Fi.
Use a password manager to help keep things simple and secure. Popular options include:
(Proton Pass, Apple Password Manager, Google Password Manager)
(BitWarden, NordPass, and others)
Why it matters: Public spaces make your passwords more vulnerable. Even accidental exposure can lead to breaches.
Conclusion: As we start 2025, focusing on basic password and security maintenance will help protect your personal and business information from hackers and cyberattacks. Creating long and complex passwords, storing them in a secure password manager, and being cautious about when and where you enter your passwords will help keep your log-in credentials safe.
If you’re a business, collaborate with your IT team to conduct an access review. Focus on removing inactive accounts, updating password policies, refreshing wireless and account passwords, and performing an initial review of service-based accounts.
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