Crafting new, complex passwords can be challenging, requiring a delicate balance between memorability and security. However, protecting your information is paramount, and keeping cybercriminals at bay is more difficult than ever. This blog offers a few best practices to help you create and maintain strong passwords to keep your personal data safe.

1. Create Different Passwords

Creating a different password for each of your accounts is a crucial defense strategy for cybersecurity. Imagine your passwords as individual keys tailored to unlock a specific digital location. By ensuring these keys are unique, you fortify your digital fortress, preventing a domino effect should a single password be compromised. This safeguards your online presence and eliminates the risk of a ripple effect.

2. Make It a Passphrase

Try to use a passphrase instead of a simple password. Passphrases are a series of words, often short sentences that are easy for you to remember but challenging for others to crack, like “My-kids-are-wild-and-crazy2.”

It used to be sufficient to focus on complexity while adhering to relatively short password length requirements. However, as technology has advanced, so have the hackers. The longer and more complex a password is, the harder it is to hack.

3. Use A Password Manager

Furthermore, the use of password managers is highly recommended for securely storing and managing passwords. They act like bank vaults for all your data by keeping all your passwords in one place. The best ones also sync between your devices, auto-completing your password so you don’t have to manually input it every time you log in.

When you use one of these apps, you only need to remember one master key. The app does the rest, even generating long and unique passwords for all your websites and apps. Here are a few examples of secure password managers:

• LastPass is a strong choice for a password manager, either individually or for business. Basic service is free. For $4 per month, you can manage passwords for the entire family. LastPass integrates all your password-driven apps and sites into their vault and generates new passwords that are stored there. You can also download your credit cards, prescriptions, and insurance info to store all your information in one safe place. 
• Dashlane is also one of the best password managers out there. It's similar to LastPass in capabilities and pricing and offers a business suite. One of Dashlane's best features is that it implements a zero-knowledge system. Meaning their employees don't see your information. 
  • Bitwarden is a free password manager with plugins for all major browsers and apps for iPhone and Android devices. It is free for personal use.
    
    

4. Enable Multi-Factor Verification

In addition to creating longer, complicated passwords, Multi-Factor Authorization (MFA), also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), adds another layer of security for consumers. Using fingerprints, face ID verification, or receiving a one-time PIN fortifies the protection of your accounts. The industry has recently shifted to application-based authenticators due to inherent security weaknesses with text messaging technology.

5. Keep it to Yourself

Sharing passwords is risky. Try to avoid it at all costs. Utilizing public computers or borrowing a friend’s device can expose your credentials to potential threats and increase the chance of your login details being compromised.

How Lutz Tech Services Can Help

The demand for creating new and complex password combinations can be challenging. However, it is a small price to pay to keep your information protected. If you would like help deciding which password manager is best for you or have questions about cybersecurity, our Lutz Tech services can help. Please contact us with any questions.