Test Your Passwords
The 'How Secure Is My Password' website lets you see how long it would take a cyber criminal to crack your password, and gain access to your accounts!
Do:
- Use of a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and keyboard symbols where possible.
- Aim for an absolute minimum of 8 characters.
- Combine three random words, and change some of the letters for UPPER CASE, numb3r5 and punc+ua+!on (e.g. Cyb3rSaf3Warw1cksh1r3!)
Don’t:
- Use personal references e.g. family names, pet names and date of births. All of this information is easily traceable about you on social media
- Use a single dictionary word
- Use the same password for all accounts. By having unique passwords, if one account does get breached for any reason, all your other accounts should be safe (at the absolute least, have unique banking and email passwords!).
Password Managers
Given all the different online accounts we have, it is near impossible to remember strong, unique passwords for each one.
Password managers do all the hard work for you – they will create and remember strong, unique passwords for all of the different accounts you have.
The only catch is to make sure that the password manager has a very strong password which you can remember.
Online searches for password managers may let you know which one will work best for you.
Two-Step Verification & Two-Factor Authentication
Two Step Verification or Two Factor Authentication is a process of protecting personal data which require a login. Most banks use this protection for their online services.
This method requires a password but also adds an additional login step using a mobile, alternative email or authenticator app/device.
