How to Create a Strong Password in 2024
As we celebrate "Change Your Password Day" on February 1,2024 it is important to remember that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent and as result of this we need to adopt and follow best practices for password security to help us keep secure and protect our accounts.
Bitwarden, a password manager, recommends the following tips for creating strong passwords:
- Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Use a unique password for each account.
- Use a passphrase instead of a password.
- Avoid using personal information such as your name, birthdate, or address.
- Make sure password is at least 10 characters long
Randomness is the third pillar of password security. A password should not be predictable, and should not follow a pattern. It should be a random string of characters, numbers, and symbols. This makes it difficult for hackers to guess your password.
Here are some statistics on weak passwords:
- In 2022, over 24 billion passwords were exposed by hackers
- On average, it takes 14 seconds to type out a password .
- More than 80% of confirmed breaches are related to stolen, weak, or reused passwords .
- Nearly 60% of individuals make their passwords stronger as a result of noticing unauthorized access to their accounts or devices .
To protect your password from data breaches, here are some tips:
- Monitor your accounts regularly for any suspicious activity.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Change your password frequently.
- Use a password manager to store your passwords securely.
The Future of Passwordless Setup
Passkeys are a form of passwordless authentication technology that eliminate the need to enter your email address or password into login fields all around the web, making it harder for criminals to steal your credentials and get into your accounts .
Passkeys provide the strongest protection against threats like phishing . Once you create a passkey, you can use it to easily sign in to Google Account, as well as some third-party apps or services, and to verify it's you when you make sensitive changes.
I hope this information valuable while celebrating National Change your Password Day