Password Security Guide – How to create Secure Passwords?

In this article, we take a closer look at the password security measures and how to create secure passwords.

Importance Of Usernames And Passwords

• Your username is your identification. It’s used to build a unique digital profile about you specifically.
• Your password is your authentication. Password authentication relies on a secret value that is known only to you.
• A password protects your identity. Think of a weak password as an open door to a room full of your most precious possessions.
• Here are some important reasons to have a strong password:
  • Securing your site against hackers
  • Reducing the risk of viruses and botnets attacking your site
  • Also helps keep your business running smoothly
  • Helps keep your brand reputation in tack.

Password Security Measures

The more difficult the password, the lower the likelihood that one’s computer will fall victim to an unwanted intrusion to an unwanted intrusion.

• Ideally, passwords should be created using a random password generator and changed every 6 – 8 weeks.
• Always use a unique password for each platform you use – never use the same password for everything or a variation of the same password for different things.
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and other software up to date.
• Use and maintain antivirus software and a firewall.
• Regularly scan your computer for spyware.
• Watch for suspicious activity on your accounts.

Tips for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe

• Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users.
• Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, dates, or common words. Mix numbers, symbols, and capital letters into the middle of your password, not at the beginning or end.
• Don’t use the same password for many accounts. If it’s stolen from you – or from one of the companies where you do business – hackers can use it to take over all your accounts.
• Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts or by email. Legitimate companies will not ask you for your password.
• If you write down a password, keep it locked up, in a secured location.
• Consider Turning On Two-Factor Authentication.
• Give Personal Information Over Encrypted Websites Only.
• Use different passwords on different systems and accounts.
• Use the longest password or passphrase permissible by each password system.
• Develop mnemonics to remember complex passwords.
• Consider using a password manager program to keep track of your passwords.
• Do not use passwords that are based on personal information that can be easily accessed or guessed.

Browsers likeChrome and Mozilla warns users if there is a data breach on a site or app which exposed your password.

If a similar warning appears on the ClearTax GST, it does mean that ClearTax GST is compromised.

Reasons for such breach

The following can be the reasons for such breach:

• You might have used the same password for many sites or apps with the same email address.
• Weak password was being used.
• The account was compromised on some other site or app.
• Might have shared passwords on the phone, in texts or by email.
• The password was predictable & easily hackable.

Solution to such Data breach

• Immediately change the password of your account.
• Don’t use the same password for many accounts. If it’s stolen from you the hackers can use it to take over all your accounts.
• Use the following links to check whether their accounts have been hacked or not. Just enter your email id to check the same
  • https://haveibeenpwned.com/
  • https://monitor.firefox.com/
• You can manage your passwords using Google’s password manager. If your password has been included in a breach, Google will encourage you to change the affected password. Same goes for if Google sees that you’re reusing passwords, which is a terrible practice; everything should have a unique login.

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