How to Keep your Accounts Secure
Still using ‘Password123’, or your favourite pet’s name to secure your accounts?
Make time for a change on World Password Day.
World Password Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of creating strong passwords to keep your data secure from threats.
A History of Passwords
Passwords have been used for centuries even before computers were invented. The Roman Empire relied on passwords, known as ‘watchwords’, to identify whether someone was part of their military or an enemy to help keep themselves safe.
In the digital age, this authentication system does the same job: to keep you and your information secure. As technology advances, it’s more important than ever to create strong, complex passwords to keep your personal data safe.
Brute-force Cyber Attacks
A cyber-attack that can easily obtain simple passwords using an automated computer algorithm. This works by entering millions of letter, number and symbols combinations until a successful solution is found.
Some brute-force attacks can try 1 billion passwords per second!
Don’t worry too much though, there are some solutions to help keep your passwords secure below:
3 Tips to Protect Your Accounts
Password Pledge – Taking the Password Pledge will allow you to create stronger passwords and reduce the risk of your account’s security being breached.
You can take the Password Pledge using these 3 simple steps:
– Creating strong and unique passwords using three random words.
– Use different, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
– Turning on an extra layer of protection, such as multi-factor authentication.
Multi-Factor Authentication – This protects your account by requiring two or more authentication methods when logging into an account for the first time.
This could include adding security questions, using an Authenticator app or being sent a one-time password (OTP) via email or text.
Apple Keychain Access
Keychain Access is a macOS app that stores passwords and account information, reducing the number of passwords you have to remember and manage.
Because Keychain Access securely stores and retrieves your usernames, passwords and other information, you can make individual passwords more complex and difficult to break.
Find out more how about the security features on Apple devices: