What was my password again?

We’ve all been there – staring at a login screen, desperately trying to remember our most recent password. Was the capital letter here? Or was it there this time? I’ll just reset it.

And we do it all again the next time we’re logged out.

The truth is, as passwords become more complex in line with cyber security best practice, they also become harder to remember. It’s no surprise that many people choose to use the same password across multiple accounts. It feels efficient, simple – one less thing to worry about. But that convenience comes at a cost: it’s one of the biggest risks you can take when it comes to protecting your digital security.

Reusing passwords across accounts puts your sensitive data at serious risk of a breach. If one site is breached and your login details are exposed, cybercriminals can use those details to access your other accounts. This tactic, known as credential stuffing, is alarmingly common – and incredibly effective.

So, What Can You Do?

• Use Long, Unique Passwords for Every Account

Avoid using names, birthdays, or obvious patterns like “123456” or “password1” to any degree. Aim for at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, capitals, and special symbols. The longer and more random, the better.

• Never Reuse Passwords

If one of your accounts is compromised, every other account using the same password becomes a potential target.

•  Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds additional layers of protection to your accounts. Even if someone has your password, they can’t access your account without having access to a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app, allowing you to change the password after a login attempt.

Although there are recently developed threats that can bypass MFA, notably the Astaroth phishing kit that hit headlines back in February, you have a greater chance of preventing an attack with it activated than without.

• Do Not Write Passwords Down

Although it may appear counterintuitive, writing your usernames and passwords in a notebook can lead to compromise if it ends up in the wrong hands.

• Make Life Easier with a Password Manager

We get it – following all of the guidance above makes keeping track of multiple strong, unique passwords a virtually impossible task, but that’s where password managers come in.

We recommend 1Password, a trusted tool that creates and securely stores all your passwords. You only need to remember one master password, and it takes care of the rest – generating strong credentials, syncing across devices, and keeping your data encrypted and safe. If one of your passwords is compromised, the application will alert you and generate a new one. It’s that simple.

Cyber Security Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated or Expensive

With the right habits and tools, staying secure online becomes second nature. When it comes to providing cyber guidance or support, we’ve got your back. Contact us today.