Cyber Security

Importance of Safe Passwords

A strong password is what protects you from cyber criminals. Relying on a weak password , by contrast, makes it easy for cyber criminals to gain access to your accounts, steal your identity and even take your money. So the question is: How do you know if your password is going to keep you protected or not? Here’s are five ways to know if you have a strong password.

  1. You aren’t using the name of a pet or family member

For many, it’s important to have a password that’s easy to remember. Inevitably, that means people lean on readily available options such as the name of a pet, family member or favourite sports team.

The problem is that this information is relatively easy for someone to find. Just think, for example, of the number of times you’ve posted photos on social media  that included a reference to your dog’s name.

That means that, with information so readily available, it’s also going to be easy for a cyber criminal to track it down and use it to guess your password.

Make it more difficult for cyber criminals to guess your password and you’ll be more likely to keep your accounts safe.

  1. You’re using a passphrase instead of a password

For many, developing passwords is as simple as choosing a word to use. And for good reason. One-word passwords are simpler to remember.

The problem is, though, that “simple to remember” equates with “easy to guess” in the world of cyber crime.

The more cyber secure option? Go with a passphrase  instead of a password.

A passphrase is a mix of random words that only you would think to combine. Ideally, each passphrase would be at least four words and only 15 characters long.

One way to do this is to look around and create a passphrase out of the first four words you see. If you were trying to create a passphrase at a coffee shop, for example, you might end up with the following words:

  • Mug
  • Book
  • Laptop
  • Phone

The resulting passphrase is entirely unique to you – it would be next to impossible for anyone else to guess it.

  1. Your password is unique to the account/device you are using

Many people, for the sake of simplicity, choose to use the same password for multiple accounts and devices. The problem is that if a cyber criminal can guess your password on one account or device (or they can get it from another means) then they can then gain access to all your accounts.

That’s why a cyber security best practice is to develop a unique password for every account. It might be harder to remember, but it’s the best way to foil any cyber criminals trying to gain access to your information.

Finding it difficult to remember all the passwords? Then consider using a password manager. It keeps all your passwords safe in one place so you don’t have to remember all of them.

  1. You’re using a strong password “trick”

One of the best strategies for developing a strong password is to develop something so unique that only you would know it.

The trick to do so is to think of a memorable sentence that only you would think of. For example: The Best Month For Basketball Is In June. Then capitalize certain characters and add numbers.

In the above case, you might end up with the following: TbmfBiiJ2733

There! You’ve got a unique password that only you could remember.

  1. You haven’t shared your password with anyone

This last one is pretty straightforward, but it is also perhaps one of the most important.

Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER share your password with anyone. Not your friends. Not your teacher. Not even with your family members.

Never.

Additional Links

Government of British Columbia: Password Thought Paper

Government of British Columbia: Password Best Practices