Most individuals have multiple online accounts to access their social media profiles, financial information, wellness records, workout data, and employment details. They likely use the same set of passwords for most of their online accounts, which leaves them vulnerable to data leaks and other cyber threats. Additionally, weak passwords and inadequate account access protection can also expose them to cybercrimes. Fortunately, individuals can follow certain password management practices to ensure their data is safe and secure.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, which makes it crucial for users to continuously reinforce their defense mechanisms to protect their data stored in online accounts. A single password cannot sufficiently protect users’ accounts against hackers today. So, here is where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in. It adds an extra layer of security to online accounts, as it requires users to provide additional authentication factors, such as one-time codes sent via text messages, biometric information like fingerprint scans and facial recognition, or answers to personal questions, before they can successfully log into their profiles. MFA’s effectiveness in protecting online account access makes it one of the most popular online safety tools.
Implement Strong Password Storage and Encryption
A particularly poor data security practice many users follow is writing down their passwords on paper or in plain text on digital notepads. Poor password storage often results in data breaches and lost revenue for businesses, compliance violations, and reputation damage.
Using password managers to store the data securely helps users avoid such issues. A lot of quality password manager tools use strong cryptographic algorithms to encrypt the passwords stored within them. Such tools help users in two ways: they do not need to remember all their passwords, and the encryption keeps the passwords out of hackers’ reach.
Use Periodic Password Rotation and Expiry Policies
Nearly all online account passwords can be uncovered or deciphered by hackers after a while. The practice of changing passwords periodically helps negate this threat for users. They must change their passwords after logging into their online accounts from new devices or browsers. The frequency of password rotation depends on the sensitivity of the information being protected. Generally, cybersecurity experts recommend users change their passwords every 30 to 60 days. By regularly updating passwords, implementing expiration dates, and strengthening security measures, users can render stolen credentials useless and guard themselves against evolving threats.
Users must remember that their passwords must be complex and lengthy to prevent hackers or non-approved users from guessing and accessing their online accounts. They should use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create strong passwords. Doing this makes it challenging for cybercriminals to crack passwords.
Secure Mobile Phone
Most users access their online accounts from their smartphones through apps or browsers installed. While smartphones make it convenient for users to conduct business operations, shop, or scroll through their social media, they bring with them a slew of security threats.
To avoid this, users must use strong passwords to lock their devices, activate fingerprint and facial recognition security for different apps, and avoid handing their phones to others. They can also manage multiple passwords by installing and using password managers on their smartphones to keep their account access data at their fingertips.
Use Unique Passwords for Different Accounts
Using the same password for multiple accounts is quick and convenient for users; however, following that practice leaves their accounts vulnerable to data leaks. Suppose a hacker discovers a user’s password for one of their online accounts; they can break into other accounts if the password is the same.
To avoid this issue, users need to ensure that each account has its unique password. This prevents a chain reaction of cyber threats—if one account is compromised, the other accounts remain secure.
Avoid Password Storage in Browsers
All web browsers allow users to store their passwords on the application to make logging into their accounts quicker on subsequent occasions. Browser-based password storage lets users save, manage, and autofill credentials without wasting time typing them out during log-ins. Unfortunately, browsers are not intended for password management. Most browsers have security disabled by default. Storing passwords in a browser is risky because they can be easily retrieved if the device is stolen or the browser is compromised through malware, cyberattacks, or malicious extensions.
Avoid Using Personally Identifiable Information
A common habit is including the name, date of birth, or other personal information in a password; however, passwords with personal information are the easiest to hack, as they can be quickly guessed or deciphered. The best way to avoid threats is to use random phrases, letters, combinations, and numbers. Additionally, encrypting these passwords strengthens their security.
Apart from these password management best practices, some others include misspelling things in passwords, avoiding password sharing with anyone, and employing the zero-trust policy regarding account access.
