May 4th 2023
Today is World Password Day, and it’s ten years since Intel Security gave that name to every first Thursday in May.
Passwords are crucial in protecting our digital identities, allowing us to do everything from online shopping to social media, email to banking, dating to gaming and everything else we do online that we take for granted. And, of course, we also need passwords to use our computers and mobile devices at work. On this day every year, World Password Day quite simply promotes better password habits.
Get Safe Online has lots of free, expert, easy to follow advice on choosing and using passwords on its website. Simply visit www.getsafeonline.org and enter ‘passwords’ in the search box. However, here are some top tips which should help you to ensure you are using passwords correctly to keep your information, identity and finances protected.
- Devise passwords that are long (at least 12 characters) and complex, with a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numerals and symbols.
- Don’t use family members’, pets’ or sports club names in your password as someone could guess these from your social media or other online activity.
- You could use three completely random words interspersed with numerals and symbols.
- Never use the same password for more than one account or website. If you do – and a cybercriminal finds out your login details – they can access your other accounts.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) for your important accounts.
- Don’t store passwords on your computer or phone. Use a reputable online password manager that features two-factor authentication.
Please share these tips far and wide on social media, using the hashtag #WorldPasswordDay.
Incidentally, it was not Intel Security but security researcher Mark Burnett who first encouraged people to have a ‘password day’ in his 200 book Perfect Passwords, which you can still buy from Amazon and other good retailers.
