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| Demystifying the Best Password Management Hacks |
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Every internet user has heard the advice, "Don't disclose your password," multiple times. But today, this simple statement is not enough to protect your digital assets. This is because of two major reasons. The first is the proliferation of devices and systems. The second is the increased instances of cyberattacks and breaches.
Be it home or the workplace, unauthorized access to sensitive information has become common. So, it is essential to make your passwords more secure. Today, hackers use tactics like dictionary attacks and social engineering to crack passwords. Nobody wants their sensitive data in the hands of the wrong person. The good part is that you can mitigate a password breach with some simple strategies.
Keep reading to uncover the most effective password management hacks below.
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Passwords refer to a set of strings created by users. It is done to access their web accounts. Passwords are a secure method of authentication. But they are exposed to various security threats if mishandled. Here lies the importance of password management. It is a set of practices followed by users when storing and managing passwords. This helps them prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.
Today, conventional methods of password management are not feasible. So, there's a need to learn the best strategies to manage passwords. Following password management principles will curb security threats.
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One of the best password hacks is learning the skill to make a strong one. Many people confuse a strong password with one that is hard to guess. While a strong password is hard to guess, it's also easy to recall. Use these tips to make such a password.
a. To make easy-to-remember passwords, use phrases or sentences. For example, butterandbreadyam.
b. Do not use a word followed by or preceded by a single number. Also, do not use single words.
c. Do not give any personal information about yourself to anyone. For example, don't put your date of birth or last name.
d. Increase the complexity of the password with a blend of special characters, numbers, and letters.
e. You can also use a password management tool to organize and store your passwords.
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A great way to add a layer of protection for passwords is to apply encryption. The protection for passwords that encryption provides keeps you safe even if the password is stolen by a cybercriminal. Password encryption is even more important if you are an avid streamer.
When you are streaming content or browsing the internet on any device, your crucial data is exposed. Anyone can monitor your browsing activity, such as your ISP or a hacker. Measures such as using password encryption and using a VPN are key to safe and secure streaming. These measures shield your online activity with an unbeatable encryption protocol. Thus, your internet data remains confidential at all times.
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Multi-factor authentication is another name for two-factor authentication. It is a layered approach to protecting your online accounts. It requires you to provide a combination of two or more authenticators for identity verification. Those who turn on multi-factor authentication have lower chances of experiencing hacking attempts.
It is so because if a hacker compromises one factor, they cannot compromise a second authentication requirement. This stops them from accessing your accounts. This security technique has been in use for a long time. Today, more online service providers are using 2FA to shield the credentials of their users.
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Your computer stores a lot of sensitive information. You must ensure that you have a unique password for each of your online accounts. It is recommended to change passwords once in three months. Think about it. Suppose you have the same password for every account. Now, if one of them gets hacked, the hacker can instantly access the other accounts as well. But if all the accounts have a unique password, they won't be able to access them.
Also, remember that a hacker may try to access your account multiple times. So regularly changing the password will lower the risk of frequent access. Today, many hackers use the keystroke logger technology to record keystrokes. They use it to steal your credit card and login information. Changing your password frequently will lower the chances of them obtaining the password in this way.
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Many people make a common password management mistake. They store their passwords in plain text on their computers. This is a very old way to keep your passwords within your site. But today, storing information in plain sight is not advisable.
Instead, create a list of the different websites for which you have a password. After that, write your login username and a clue that only you know next to every website. So, even if you cannot recall the password, the website will email the credentials to you.
The only thing to note is that you must know which email address you registered with.
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Today, many browsers come with built-in password managers. However, they don't have much flexibility. For example, if you change your browser, the password database of the previous browser is unavailable. Also, you cannot use your password in non-browser apps.
A good measure is to export your saved passwords in a browser to a CSV file. You can export the password with Chrome, Edge, and Firefox to a CSV file. Further, you can import them from such a file.
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To expose your saved password from Google Chrome, locate the three-dot menu. Go to Google Password Manager and select 'Settings.' Now, Choose 'Import Passwords.'
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Tap 'Settings' followed by 'Passwords' in the three-dot menu. Find another three-dot menu beside the buttons, 'Search Passwords' and 'Add Passwords.' This menu will have the commands 'Import Passwords' and 'Export Passwords.'
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In Firefox, launch the hamburger menu. Go to 'Passwords' and tap the three-dot menu at the top-right portion. Now, you can import the passwords from another browser and transfer them as a CSV file. Alternatively, export the passwords to CSV format.
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This password management tip is ideal for enterprises. The more you limit the number of devices where passwords are entered, the better it is. It reduces the likelihood of the password to get exposed. A great way to do this is via a password management tool. But you can also protect passwords by limiting the devices on which your employees input them.
A significant way to achieve this is by prohibiting staff from logging into business resources on their personal devices. Personal devices are a major security risk in a workplace environment. They can become vulnerable to malware. This malware can remain unidentified for a long time. Thus, any cybercriminal can quietly steal business data from the device. Also, it is tough for a cybersecurity strategy to include personal devices. It's because they are less visible on the network.
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The increased use of digital technology has led to a simultaneous rise in cyber threats. Weak passwords are a common cause of data breaches. Strong ones guard your sensitive data and ensure that it remains protected from attackers online. Use the techniques to improve your password security. Both employees and homeowners will find these tips effective in enhancing their online security.
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