Essential Password Hygiene Tips and the Power of Multifactor Authentication

Protecting your online accounts is more critical than ever in today’s digital world. With cyber threats constantly evolving, having robust security measures in place is essential. With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month now is the perfect time to review your personal security practices and bolster your online defenses.

1. Create Strong, Long, Unique Passwords

Your password is your first line of defense against cyberattacks, so make it strong through these common tactics:

• Length and Complexity: The longer the password, the better. Aim for at least 12 characters, and use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols to increase complexity.
• Avoid Common Words: Avoid using easily guessable words or phrases. Instead, opt for a combination of unrelated phrases, numbers, and special characters. For example, instead of using "password123," use something like "Giraffe$19Daisy!Boat."
• Unique for Each Account: Using the same password for multiple accounts puts you at risk. If one account is compromised, all of your accounts become vulnerable. Ensure every account has a unique password.

2. Consider Using a Password Manager

With numerous accounts to manage, keeping track of complex passwords can be daunting. This is where a password manager can be a game-changer:

• Secure Storage: A password manager securely stores all your passwords in an encrypted vault, reducing the need to remember multiple passwords.
• Generate Strong Passwords: Many password managers offer the ability to generate long, complex, and unique passwords for you. This ensures that every account has a secure password.
• Convenience: Password managers allow you to access your passwords across multiple devices, making it easier to log in securely. You only need to remember one master password to unlock the vault.

3. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access your account:

• What is MFA? MFA is a security feature that combines something you know (your password) with something you have (like a smartphone app or SMS code) or something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition). This makes it much harder for hackers to access your account.
• Enhanced Protection: Even if your password is compromised, MFA significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access. The additional layer of authentication means that hackers would also need access to your secondary device or biometric data.
• Easy to Set Up: Many online services, including email providers, banks, and social media platforms, offer MFA as an option. Setting it up is straightforward and highly recommended for any account containing sensitive personal information.

Take Action Today

Strengthening your online security doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these essential tips—creating strong, unique passwords, using a password manager, and enabling multifactor authentication—you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Take some time this Cybersecurity Awareness Month to review your security habits and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.

Stay vigilant and stay secure!