Is Your Password Actually Protecting Your Data?

EBONY S. MUHAMMAD

According to Security Magazine, the average business user has 191 passwords.

Along with that, 81% of hacking-related breaches used either stolen and/or weak passwords, and 61% of people tend to use the same or a similar password everywhere, despite knowing that it's not a secure practice.

I’m sure that seems obvious that you should never share your passwords. However, while you may keep a watchful eye over your bank password, you may not see an issue with sharing your Netflix password with a friend or family member. Yet, you forgot that you also use that password for your work email.

Now, you may not have 191 passwords, but I'm sure you have a robust list and need help to remember each one for various platforms. Therefore, you may feel the need to write them all down or have the same password for multiple accounts as stated in the above example. Yet, both practices are poor ways of keeping track of your list of passwords.

I’m sure you’ve heard the method of alternating letters and numbers and special characters: A5!z7@C#V4l. But realistically who can remember that?

So what is the better strategy?

Pass-phrases. Using a pass phrase creates another layer of Cyber security and protection for your data and sensitive information. A pass phrase is a short sentence that’s easy for you to remember but hard for a hacker to guess.

For example: DogsBarkLoud can be a pass phrase. I suggest two, three or four-letter words. Remember, this is to make managing multiple passwords easier, yet, secure.

If the platform calls for a number and special character, it can read like this: Dogs!BarkLoud6

Again, this is easy to remember but hard for hackers to guess.

I highly discourage you from using your name, parents name, your pet's name, spouse or child’s name. Those are the go-to for hackers. Make your pass phrase significant but not specific.

Instead of writing down your pass phrase, I suggest you write the hint to your pass phrase. For example, using the above pass phrase; Hint: What I hate about my sister’s dog.  This hint would be significant to you and quickly bring up the pass phrase you created: Dogs!BarkLoud6

A hacker will probably think the answer is a password, which can have endless possibilities and creates more work to crack the code. Therefore, using a pass phrase and assigning a hint or question makes the job of remembering less daunting for you and a chore for a would-be hacker.

Also, be sure NOT to use the same pass phrase across platforms.

Some people use a password manager, and there are many to choose from. It’s honestly up to the comfort level of the individual.