Passwords are the keys to your “kingdom.” They provide the ability to log in to a computer, network, hosted accounts and potentially sensitive data. They are the first step in securing your online identity and business or personal information. They are a critical security step and should not be taken for granted.
Make your digital life easier and safer by following these tips and rules:
- MOST IMPORTANT: Never, ever, share your passwords with anyone – including family members and your IT support staff. Most providers, but not all, allow groups or multiple usernames on an account so different people can access an account.
- Do not save passwords in your computer’s web browser, on sticky notes, or other places visible to others.
- Never reuse passwords.
- Never use the same password to access multiple systems.
- Never use personal information like a family or child’s name, or the name of your pet, etc.
- Never use a password that contains the season and year, such as “Summer2019.” These are too easy for hackers to guess.
- Never use social media login credentials such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., when registering for other, new internet services. If your Facebook credentials are stolen, the criminal can gain access to multiple accounts of yours.
What makes a good password? The “old” conventional thinking was to use a minimum of eight characters with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters to create a supposedly “strong” password. Today, that thinking is changing because cyber criminals are now employing automated bots to crack eight-character passwords in just seconds.
The new thinking is to use a password containing a minimum of 20 characters or to use a passphrase. Make the passphrase something memorable and meaningful to you. Remember, the longer the password is, the harder it will be for a criminal to crack it.
What is an example of a passphrase? Let’s say you have an account for Hulu (online TV streaming) and let’s say you don’t really like watching TV. Your passphrase might be something like: “IStillDontLikeTVandProbably-NeverWill!” It’s easy to remember because you don’t like watching TV and probably never will!
God bless, and safe computing!
Scott Long is the information technology director for the Diocese of Charlotte.