In June 2024, cyber security firm Kaspersky conducted a comprehensive study analyzing 193 million passwords found on various darknet resources. The findings revealed startling vulnerabilities in commonly used passwords. According to Kaspersky, a staggering 45% of these passwords (equating to 87 million) could be guessed by scammers within a minute. Only 23% (44 million) of the passwords proved robust enough that cracking them would take over a year. Here are seven vital cyber security tips from Kaspersky to help you create powerful passwords and safeguard your online accounts.
Use a Password Manager
A highly effective method for handling your passwords is to use a password manager. Kaspersky experts highlight that remembering long and unique passwords for all your services can be challenging. A password manager simplifies this by allowing you to memorize just one master password. The password manager will generate, store, and autofill complex passwords for all your online accounts, ensuring that each password is strong and unique.
Avoid Reusing Passwords Across Multiple Services
It’s crucial not to reuse passwords for different services. Kaspersky advises against using the same password for multiple accounts. If one of your passwords is compromised, having different passwords for each service prevents hackers from gaining access to all your other accounts. This practice significantly reduces the risk of a widespread breach of your personal information.
Steer Clear of Common or Guessable Words
Using common words or phrases in your passwords is highly risky. The Kaspersky report indicates that 57% of analyzed passwords contained dictionary words, making them vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Cybercriminals often use powerful laptop processors or modern video cards to crack passwords by trying every possible combination. For instance, an 8-character password consisting of lowercase letters or digits can be brute-forced in just seven minutes by a laptop processor and even faster—17 seconds—by a modern video card. Therefore, avoid using simple, guessable words or predictable character substitutions like “e” to “3” or “a” to “@”.
Utilize Passphrases and Jumble the Letters
Passphrases are generally more secure, especially when they include unexpected words or a random arrangement of words. Kaspersky recommends creating passphrases using unrelated and uncommon words. Even common words can be made secure if arranged in an unconventional order. Additionally, there are online services available to check the strength of your passphrase, ensuring it meets security standards.
Exclude Personal Information from Passwords
Including personal information such as birthdays, family names, or pet names in your passwords is a significant security risk. Such information can be easily guessed or obtained by cybercriminals. Kaspersky stresses the importance of refraining from using any personal details in your passwords to prevent easy breaches.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
While not directly linked to the strength of your password, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA requires a second form of verification, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts. Modern password managers often store 2FA keys securely, utilizing the latest encryption algorithms to protect them.
Invest in Reliable Cyber Security Solutions
Invest in a reputable cyber security solution to further protect your devices from cyber threats. Such solutions provide comprehensive protection by monitoring the internet and the Dark Web for any signs of compromised passwords and advising you to change them when necessary. Ensure that all your devices, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and PCs, are protected 24/7 with a paid security solution to guard against potential cyber threats.
Conclusion
Implementing these seven tips from Kaspersky can significantly enhance your online security. By using a password manager, avoiding password reuse, steering clear of common words, creating strong passphrases, excluding personal information, enabling 2FA, and investing in reliable cyber security solutions, you can protect your accounts from cybercriminals. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and proactive in securing your digital presence is more critical than ever.
Also Read: Stay Safe While Using GPay, PhonePe, And Paytm For UPI Payments: 5 Tips You Need To Know
