How secure is my password? Learn how to be a better password manager in 2021
Author: Sonia Older | Date published: May 6, 2021, UK | Read est: 5 min read
Use a password manager
New research suggests the average person has between 80-100 passwords! If you struggle to remember your passwords (and who wouldn’t) make sure to utilise your password manager. It will auto-fill your passwords instantly and tell you if your current password is weak or needs to be updated.
Today’s retailers hold more valuable data than ever about their customers, employees and suppliers. Thanks to the new digital retail era, retailers have all kinds of intelligence on their customers due to the increasingly connected way of selling through apps, promotions, loyalty schemes, marketing and the numerous e-commerce payment technologies available – all of huge appeal to cyber criminals who view this data as a very attractive target with big bucks in sight.
Pick a strong password to start with or use a random password generator
It should not include your date of birth! The strongest passwords are usually made up of 10-15 uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Strong passwords should not contain personal information. If you are unsure when creating a new password there are plenty of random password generator tools out there to help you out.
How secure is my password with two-factor authentication?
How secure is my password if I switch to Two-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication, otherwise know as 2FA, is a very good way to add an extra layer of security to your personal accounts.
2FA means entering your regular password and then receiving a notification via text message or email to confirm it is really you attempting to sign in. If it’s not you, you can reject the request and update your password.
Try a personal message as your password reminder
Ever thought of using a personal message or favourite song lyric as a password? For example: ‘Hello darkness my old friend’ could be updated to ‘EllO!Dm0!F’ when you add in different characters and numbers.
Get creative with your memorable answers
Never use real information for your memorable answers - make something up that will only make sense to you.
Biometrics are your friend
Most new devices now include facial, fingerprint and voice recognition software. Not only is this a more secure option, but also means you don’t have to worry about forgetting your password.
Why remember a password when you can remember a pattern
If your mind finds it easier to commit patterns to memory than characters, use a pattern on your keyboard!
Simply start in position and move your finger around pressing keys in a specific pattern. You can go up to the number row as well and get super complicated and push the shift key a few times to get upper case and symbols. You could go wild and create a zigzag or go up and down or even create a square. Perhaps even the first letter of your name or surname? The possibilities are endless!
Let your password be your motivation
Your password can often be repeated several times a day, so how about turning it into a positive affirmation? Perhaps you are training to run 10K, make your password ‘iW!LLrUn1OK!’
So there you have it, our top tips to keep your passwords secure.
Related content
> How secure is my password? Learn how to be a better password manager
> What is the Dark Web, how do I access it, and what is found on Dark Web websites?
> Steer clear of new scams!
Protect yourself from Cybercrime
The easiest way for criminals to target your company is by using current passwords or personal information.
Cybercrime originating from the Dark Web involves discovering site vulnerabilities, hacking social media accounts, and obtaining email passwords, all of which can result in data breaches or a devastating cyber-attack, possibly causing your company untold damage and expense. We can help monitor your exposure on the Dark Web to help secure your data.
Sonia Older
Brand & Campaign Manager
Sonia Older is the Campaign Manager at Focus Group and a highly experienced copywriter. She boasts over 20 years of experience in content marketing and PR across multiple industries, and is the key driver of content and PR for Focus Group across all UK offices. Away from work, Sonia usually swaps keyboard strokes for ski slopes in the Alps with her family.
