We are so dependent on our smartphones that they allow us to store sensitive details on them. It becomes very convenient to produce these details as and when we want them. As scammers and hackers become more and more efficient and effective in their online scams, our sensitive data is at risk. Thus, it becomes necessary for personal information security to be as effective and efficient as possible to deter cyber attacks.
You can use a strong password and other features to protect these sensitive details, and it is quite easy to do so. We will show you how.
Creating Strong Passwords
While creating an account, you are prompted to use a password that only you know. This is an essential security feature that allows only the user to have access to the account, in this case, you. Any account you want to create will always ask you to create a password that only you know, thus securing the account.
While creating a password, make a habit of creating at least 12 characters. Avoid using common phrases, song lyrics, dates of birth, pop culture, or even anything that will remotely be associated with your work, hobby, or interest. The reason is that when your account is targeted by a cyberattack, the programs that hackers use will consider these factors.
Making an alphanumeric 12-character strong security password will deter any hacker from hacking into your account. Initially, you will have trouble remembering this password, but as time passes, you keep on using these accounts, and it will become easier to remember them.
At times, you might find that while creating an account, they will not allow you to have a twelve-character password. In such cases, make a password mixed with upper- and lower-case alphabets and with some special characters and numbers.
As per research, people are not good at creating strong passwords, or even if they do, they end up locking themselves out of the account when they forget. As personal information security is at risk, it is important that you do not create an account and lock yourself out of it.
Smartphones and computer web browsers have the option of saving your passwords and accounts, which is easy. Once you create the password, you save it on your web browser, and it remembers you every time you access your account.
Alternatively, you can always use a reputed third-party password manager. Such apps allow you to create a password. You do not have to create a password; the password manager will create it for you, and it can be remembered every time you access your account.
While using a password manager, ensure that you go through the reviews and also ensure that it is trustworthy. It is essential when creating strong passwords. A reputed third-party password manager ensures that they generate a password that will be difficult for scammers to guess when they attempt to hack the account.
With the use of third-party password managers, smartphone web browsers and computer web browsers all have a feature to remember your password.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
As it is important to have good passwords, it is equally essential to have extra protections for password security. These multi-factor authenticators send an OTP through text and email. Such features are important as they allow you, as an account holder, to further secure your account.
Email is one of the most popular platforms, second only to messaging and texts. They are an important feature, as they are used for official correspondence. Your banks, utility services, entertainment platforms, and so forth usually send you information via email. Account statements, car loans, mortgages, utility bills, online entertainment subscription bills, and so forth are sent to your emails. They are important as they save some of the sensitive data on them.
Research has shown that emails are the most preferred targets for cyberattacks as they contain sensitive information. If such email accounts are compromised, hackers can use this information to create mischief through identity theft. They will also spoil your credit rating by creating unauthorized financial accounts and buying things that you have not authorized. Thus, it is important to protect your passwords and accounts.
These charlatans can also send you bogus emails impersonating your bank, utility service provider, entertainment platform service provider, and so forth. These emails generally have a link that is prompted to be clicked under the guise of terminating services.
By clicking on these links, you will be directed to a fake website that will look legitimate. You will be prompted to fill in all the details that are mentioned for the fake continuation of your services. Once the required data is filled out and sent, it goes to the scammer, who will misuse the collected information.
Thus, it is important to protect passwords.
Picking Security Questions Only You Can Answer
While creating an account, the service provider may ask some questions that need to be answered. These questions are for additional security. These security passwords are required so that if you forget the password or want to change your password, you need to answer these questions correctly to gain access to your account.
As always, try to answer those questions that may not link you directly. Avoid any questions that may prevent the scammer from guessing these passwords. Answers to questions like the color of your first car, your mother’s maiden name, your first job, or even your zip code. These details are available on your social media platforms, and anyone can guess the answers to these questions.
Since these probable answers are available in the public domain, it is essential to avoid using them as your security answers.
Such security not only adds an extra layer of security but will also deter scammers from gaining access to your accounts.
Changing Your Password If Someone Steals It
If the service provider or a company suggests that you change your password, change it immediately. Following the tips that we have suggested for you, creating strong passwords will help you secure your account. Make a habit of using a unique password for every account.
If you think that one account has been compromised, immediately change the rest of the password for all your accounts.
It is advisable to report to the government department that handles identity theft if you suspect someone is using your credentials.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to create a password that is not easy to guess, as your personal information security is at stake. Following the tips that we have mentioned in the article will help to keep your accounts secured.
