Passwords

In today’s digital world, passwords are the key to our online identities. From social media accounts to online banking, our personal and professional lives are locked behind passwords. Understanding the importance of strong passwords and best practices for keeping them secure is crucial for everyone.

Tips for Creating Strong Passwords

To enhance security, follow these guidelines when creating passwords:

1. Use a Mix of Characters – Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

2. Make It Long – A password should be at least 12-16 characters long.

3. Avoid Common Words – Stay away from obvious choices like "password123," "admin," or your name.

4. Use Passphrases – Create a phrase that is easy for you to remember but hard to guess (e.g., "BlueSky$Runs@2024!").

5. Don’t Reuse Passwords – Each account should have a unique password to minimize risk.

6. Avoid Personal Information – Don’t use easily guessed details like birthdays or pet names.

Best Practices for Keeping Passwords Secure

Once you’ve created strong passwords, keeping them secure is just as important. Here’s how:

• Use a Password Manager – A reliable password manager stores and generates strong passwords securely.

• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.

• Regularly Update Passwords – Change your passwords periodically to reduce the risk of breaches.

• Beware of Phishing Scams – Never share passwords through emails or messages from unknown sources.

• Log Out of Public Devices – Always sign out after using a shared or public computer