We're Sorry, But Your Password Must Contain…

Setting a password doesn't sound like a very difficult task, but sometimes it is.

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We usually don't take seriously websites that ask us to create strong passwords. “Use a longer password, at least one symbol, one uppercase letter…” But there is a reason for all these requests. Weak passwords play a big role in hacking. If you've been using your birthday date or your dog's name as a password to access your bank account since you were 18, let us tell you that it's not very secure.

Your Password Setting Habits May Put You at Risk

Password management does not only concern individuals, institutions should also take responsibility in this regard.

Employees who have not developed the habit of creating strong passwords can put your organization at risk. Your systems may be secure and complex, but attackers may choose a different method – like waiting for your employees to make mistakes. To prevent this from happening, provide comprehensive training to your employees at all levels; Get them to develop “good password” habits and think before they click.

Raising awareness about cyber security in your organization can save you from many problems. Trained employees with advanced awareness of cyber security constitute your line of defense.

LET'S REMEMBER THE SIMPLE RULES

The tips below may seem very simple, but practice makes them perfect.

Make your passwords strong

As we mentioned before, weak passwords are easy to crack. Ask yourself this question: If a hacker is trying to access your account, how quickly can they guess your password? Do you use personal, easily accessible information about yourself in your password (your birthday, your spouse's name, etc.)? Do you use popular directories like "qwerty", "password" or "1234"?

Make your passwords unpredictable, don't follow a certain pattern; use randomly generated passwords instead. Additionally, it is recommended that your passwords be 15-20 characters long. Shorter ones can break easily.

Store your passwords in the password manager

Are you concerned that you won't be able to recall all of those complex and unusual passwords?

 Then a password manager may come in handy for you. The password manager can store all your passwords in one place and uses encryption to protect your data.

In this case, you may be wondering whether it is safe to store your passwords in another third-party application. There are some risks as no app online is 100% safe, but using them is one of the best options available today. However, don't forget to research a reliable password manager. You can try Keepass. Protect your app with a strong password and back it up regularly.

Change your passwords frequently

Many people use the same password for years. On the contrary, it is recommended that you change your password a few times a year. How often you change your password also depends on what it is used for and how strong it is.

Be sure to change your password whenever there is a password leak, someone tries to access your account, or when you log in from a public wi-fi. Check if your mail or phone has been breached.

Create unique passwords for each account

Using the same password for all your accounts increases the possibility of vulnerability. Therefore, never use the same password for multiple accounts. Don't make it easy for attackers to access all your accounts by cracking a single password.

Two-factor authentication is your best friend

Even if you find it annoying to confirm each login and transaction, it is highly recommended that you use two-factor authentication. Many apps and websites give you the option to use two-factor authentication. In this case, it is recommended that you take advantage of this authority. So much so that this is an extra protection that makes it harder for attackers to access your personal account. The most common forms are unique encrypted SMS or notification or the use of biometric data (this can also be risky, but let's talk about this later).