#Passwords 101: How to Protect Your Credentials

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Passwords 101: How to Protect Your Credentials

Let’s see how well secured your accounts are, shall we? Run through your passwords and tell us how many passwords you have.

According to research, not many. An average person reuses the same password 14 times. Don’t get me wrong, we’re all for recycling, but just not when it comes to passwords. Password security is a place where you should leave your eco-conscious habits at the door because reusing a password can significantly increase your chances of being hacked.

In the last few years, the authentication realm has embraced biometrics as the next big thing. Biometric technology relies on our unique body measurements to safeguard credentials, making the protective measures even stronger. But, there is a new star on the horizon. Artificial intelligence is expected to bring improved characteristics in the next few years and completely change the way we see verification.

GUIDE TO SECURE LOGINS AND PASSWORDS

Since securing your credentials requires some research, we came up with a few tips that’ll help you to build a security plan from scratch.

1. Adopt a multi-factor authentication

Layering your protection is one of the first security strategies you should embrace. Multi-factor authentication requires three or more steps to enter your accounts. A password, some biometric factor like a fingerprint, an SMS received code or a particular device like a USB key. This way, a hacker has a much harder time breaking into your account since there are multiple levels to get through.

2. Trust your credentials with a password manager

Considering that our password practices are not flawless, leaving everything up to a password manager is an excellent option. Password managers create strong passwords for all of your accounts, and they store them safely in a cloud. This way, you can access your credentials even if you lose the device. Plus, all the data is encrypted, meaning that no one can take a peek at your sensitive information.

SECURITY TOOLS FOR ADDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION

For those who take a security game seriously, here are some great tools to add to your tactic.

1. Sandboxing

Think of sandbox as a testing site – it’s a virtual environment on your computer where you can test run all software you don’t trust and check the sketchy links that you’ve found in your email attachments. This way, if something goes wrong, it can’t hurt your computer, and you can easily get rid of it.

2. VPN

If you’re thinking of protective measures that could shield all of your online activities at once, a VPN is a great choice. A VPN service creates a safe connection between you and your internet service provider. Also, it hides your actual IP address and location and encrypts the data in traffic so that no one can fumble with your information

3. Signal

Since messaging apps aren’t immune to hacker attacks and data breaches, you should consider safer alternatives to commonly used ones. Signal is one of the best-encrypted messengers out there. It uses end-to-end encryption, meaning that only you and the person involved in the conversation can see the messages. Information you exchange is going to stay encrypted for anyone else.

From phishing and DDoS attacks to ransomware, security threats are a bottomless pit. In that regard, you have to develop a security strategy that will tackle every beast out there. If you already haven’t, set up your basic protective measures with these pieces of advice in mind and adjust as you go.

by Matthew Stern

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