How safe is your password?

A recent online report claimed 76% of hacks are caused by weak or stolen passwords. Despite cyber-attacks becoming more sophisticated, the majority of the hacks can be prevented.

Often people will use the same password for a website they used and registered with once, or purchased from once and then use that very same password on their bank account or email accounts. The best advice is to use different passwords for different sites.

Unsophisticated hackers don’t always need advanced technology to get people’s passwords. At cafes, schools, and conferences people often type their password in clear view. Just be sensitive to what’s happening around you, as opportunists are always a threat.

Tools are now widely available that will store and organise your various passwords and PIN codes for PC’s, apps and networks. They can also generate passwords and can automatically enter your username and password into log in forms on websites.

Examples of these services include: KeePass, LastPass and 1 Password.

According to Splashdata the passwords below were the most commonly used in 2013.

http://splashdata.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/worst-passwords-of-2013-our-annual-list.html

Spotted your password on this list? It’s time to change it! Here’s a link to my previous article on creating a secure but memorable password:

How to create a secure – but memorable - Password

Stay online safely.