A little extra caution goes a long way. Take a moment to protect your login information by using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication. Staying alert to suspicious links and unexpected login prompts can help you keep your accounts safe from unwanted visitors.
Creating a Strong Password
LENGTH
Passwords should be at least 16 characters long. The longer the password, the longer it takes for a hacker to crack it.
UNIQUENESS
Each account should have its own password. Email, banking, social media - everything becomes vulnerable when you reuse passwords.
RANDOMNESS
Stronger passwords are random strings of letters, numbers, and symbols. Example: 9*uZCDv7Z*u4mPsXla4n
TIP: Password Managers securely store your passwords in an encrypted vault. Learn more about Password Managers below!
What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a login security method that requires two or more forms of identity verification to access an account. One "factor" is usually your password, and then you can often choose the other factor.
You may also hear MFA called:
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Two-step verification
They all refer to the same idea: protect yourself with more than just a password.
Don’t Pass on Password Managers!
Password managers today are safer than ever before, and they are much safer than using a physical notebook, storing passwords in a Notes app or reusing passwords that are easy to remember.
Quality password managers encrypt all of the passwords stored on them. This means that your passwords would be basically impossible to decode if a hacker tried to breach your password manager. The only access to your passwords on a password manager is with a password only you know.
There are many different free or paid password managers available for personal or business use. We recommend comparing different password managers and finding the one that works best for you.
Source: https://www.staysafeonline.org/
