• The article discusses the importance of using strong passwords to protect online accounts from cybercriminals.
• It explains how hackers use brute force and dictionary attacks to guess passwords, as well as simple tips to improve password security.
• Lastly, it outlines the different types of authentication that can be used for increased protection.
Why You Need a Strong Password
The internet is constantly under attack from cybercriminals looking to exploit weak passwords and gain access to personal information. It’s important to create strong passwords that cannot easily be guessed by hackers.
How Hackers Try To Guess Your Password
Hackers commonly employ two methods when attempting to break into an account: brute force and dictionary attacks. In a brute-force attack, a hacker will attempt to guess your password by systematically trying every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until they find one that works. A dictionary attack is more sophisticated; it uses a list of known words or phrases that are commonly used as passwords in order to break in quickly.
Tips For Building A Secure Password
Creating a secure password is the best way to protect yourself from these types of attacks. Here are some tips for creating strong passwords:
• Use at least 8 characters with a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters
• Avoid using common words or phrases such as “password” or “12345678”
• Change your password regularly
• Don’t use the same password across multiple accounts
• Don’t share your password with anyone else
Other Ways To Increase Security
In addition to creating a secure password, there are other methods you can use for extra protection against cyber criminals:
• Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) requires users entering their username and password plus an additional form of authentication such as an SMS code sent via text message or voice call before being able to log into an account
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) involves combining several forms of authentication such as biometric identification (fingerprint scans), facial recognition software, or hardware tokens like USB keys
Conclusion
Having a secure password is essential for protecting your online accounts from cyber criminals. Utilizing strong passwords combined with two-factor or multi-factor authentication will help keep your information safe from intruders.