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Common Password Mistakes to Avoid

Passwords are the key to opening your digital world. They allow us to log in to our favorite social media accounts, purchase the goods we need, and keep track of our banking information. Choosing the right password is crucial to maintaining privacy online.

With today being World Password Day, what better time than now to talk about password health. Here, we examine some of the most common password mistakes made and how best to avoid them.

Most Common Password Mistakes

Using the Same Password

Using the same password for multiple accounts may make them easy to remember, but it can make you vulnerable to being hacked. Once a hacker has made their way into one account, they can access every other online account in your name with just a few clicks.

It may seem simpler to recycle your passwords, but hackers like to recycle too. They will most likely try the same ones, so that password you used last year will come around again, and your account could be hacked.

Easy and Common Passwords

Many people choose a common name, word, or phrase to help them remember their password. If it’s common to you, it’s probably a common choice of hackers to try as well.

Short passwords or ones that contain only letters or only numbers are also simple to decipher. With only a few characters to figure out, malicious individuals could find their way in quite easily.

Some of the most common and easily hacked passwords of 2021 were:

  • 123456
  • 123456789
  • 12345
  • qwerty
  • Password
  • 12345678
  • 111111
  • 1234567890
  • 1234567

Making Passwords Personal

Using a password with your birthday, wedding date, address, phone number, or any other personal data could open you up to danger. People who want to get into your account will search for any bit of data they can gather about you. If any of this information is listed online, they can use it to access your accounts.

Not Using Multi-Factor Authentication

You may think two-factor or multi-factor authentication is just an annoying added step to logging in, but in reality, it could be the thing that stops someone from hacking your account. The extra security enabled by retrieving a code on your phone or a link in your email could protect you from anyone figuring out your password.

Not Storing Passwords Correctly

Creating unique and different passwords for every one of your online accounts means you may have a lot to remember. Some decide to make up a document on your computer or write them down on a notepad on your desk. Neither of these solutions is a secure way of storing your passwords.

Password managers not only securely store your passwords, but they will also help create unique and complex passwords for you.

Secure Your Passwords

To stay cyber-safe, it’s best to use a different password for every account, create complex hard-to-guess passwords, avoid using personal information, check the box for multi-factor authentication, and use a password manager. Follow each of these suggestions to keep your digital identity as safe as possible and avoid common password mistakes. With TPx managed cybersecurity services, you get years of expert experience behind your cyber solution. Learn how we can support your organization today.

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