October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so I thought it was timely to discuss why it's more important than ever to keep your passwords secure. With hackers getting more and more sophisticated, we need to safeguard our online accounts! The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert to protect your passwords like a pro!
Here are some ways you can protect your passwords to keep your accounts safe and secure:
A strong and unique password for every account
Use a password manager
Set up Two-Factor Authentication [2FA]
Avoid using the same password across multiple sites
Update your passwords regularly
A complex and unique password for every account
The starting point for good password security is having a complex and unique password for every account. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like "123456" or "password" [yes, some people do this]. Here are a few tips for creating strong passwords:
Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
Aim for at least 12 characters in length
Avoid common words, names, and easily accessible personal information like your birthday
Use a passphrase — a combination of random words that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. For example, "DoesMlovechampagne?$%&" is much more secure than a basic password
Use a password manager
With so many online accounts and systems to manage, remembering unique passwords for each one is nearly impossible. This is where a password manager is a life saver.
Password managers like LastPass [affiliate link for free account] or 1Password can store all your passwords in one secure location. They also generate complex passwords for you, so you don’t have to worry about creating them yourself if you don't want to. You'll just have to remember your master password to get into your password manager!
Set up Two-Factor Authentication [2FA]
Even the strongest password can be vulnerable, which is why enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is a really smart move. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone or a code generated in your authentication app) before you can log in. This means even if someone has your password, they can’t access your account without that second authentication step covered.
Lots of apps and systems now require you to set up 2FA. I'd suggest you set it up where it's available because It’s an easy way to boost your security in just a few minutes.
Avoid using the same password across multiple sites
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to use the same password across some [or lots] of your online accounts. Imagine someone hacks into your social media account, they could use that same password to get into your email, banking, or other personal accounts causing a chain of system breaches.
By using a different password for every account [and storing them in a password manager] you can minimise the damage if one of your accounts is hacked.
Update your passwords regularly
It’s a good idea to update your passwords regularly, especially for very sensitive accounts. I know it's a hassle, but regularly changing your passwords adds that extra layer of protection ... and this is where your password manager makes it easy as it will create and update your new password for you! Experts suggest updating your passwords every 6-12 months.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your passwords secure is crucial these days. By following these tips, you can secure your online life like a pro and protect your personal and business information from hackers. Remember, a little effort now can save you a lot of trouble down the road. So, go ahead—update those passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and use a password manager to safeguard your passwords like a pro!
Marie Robertson-King
After decades working in mining, aviation and oil & gas, Marie founded Empress of Order, a virtual assistant service, in 2018 and quickly became fully booked. With a background in operations and safety, focussing on processes, systems and procedures, Marie now supports busy business owners and helps them bring order to their lives!
She’s certified by the VA Institute and was named in the Inside Small Business Top 50 Business Leaders in 2020. Marie facilitates a coworking day each month in her hometown of Perth, where business owners get together to work and build connections. In 2022, Marie expanded her empire with the purchase of The Digital Mums Directory, an online membership and directory for female digital experts in Australia, with a biz friend. She lives in the beautiful Perth Hills with her husband Simon and fur-baby Jasper. She can’t function without her morning coffee and loves a glass of bubbles or a cocktail in the evening.
