7 password management rules users need to follow
Recently, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced 7 password management rules that users need to follow to help deal with common cybersecurity threats.
In the digital age, passwords have become the universal key to protecting our personal information and digital assets. However, not everyone knows how to create and manage passwords securely.
Below are seven password management rules that CISA has just published to help organizations and individuals deal with increasingly common cybersecurity threats today.
1. Make sure all your passwords are strong enough
An ideal strong password should be at least 12 characters long, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It's important that the password is completely random, without any links to personal information or service names.
Security experts claim that password length is the number one deciding factor in protecting against attacks. Additionally, you can create passwords by combining unrelated words, adding symbols and numbers to increase complexity and make them harder to guess.
2. Use a password manager
In the digital age, each of us owns many accounts, along with countless passwords. Remembering hundreds of different passwords is impossible. The optimal solution is to use a password manager. This tool will help you create strong, unique passwords and store them securely, freeing your brain from the burden of remembering too much information.
Compared to writing it down by hand, a password manager is like a smart assistant, always ready to serve you. It helps you save time, minimize the risk of information theft and ensure the highest security. With one click, you can create a series of strong, unique passwords and synchronize them across all devices.
In addition to storing your passwords, a password manager also acts as a shield against sophisticated attacks. It's so smart that it can differentiate between real and fake websites. If you accidentally land on a fake website, even one that looks exactly like the real one, the password manager will refuse to enter your login information. This means you're protected against phishing attacks, even if you don't realize you're being attacked.
3. Never reuse passwords
We often tend to use a familiar set of login information for many different accounts. This is convenient but has great potential risks. If just one of those accounts is attacked, cybercriminals can easily access all of your other accounts, causing serious consequences.
A good password manager will automatically detect the passwords you reuse and prompt you to create new, strong, and unique ones. Don't just add numbers or special characters to the end of your old password; that's not enough to ensure security. Let your password manager help you create strong security barriers for your accounts.
4. Avoid using password hints
The idea of password hints may seem convenient, but they are actually a serious security flaw. Because password hints are often based on easy-to-guess personal information such as your name, birthday, hobbies, etc. This inadvertently gives hackers valuable clues to crack your password. Instead of relying on easy-to-guess hints, let your password manager automatically generate strong, random, and completely unique passwords.
5. Change the default password
Attackers often use seemingly harmless devices in your home to break into your network. Wi-Fi routers, IP cameras, smart doorbells, etc. can all become open doors for hackers if you don’t change the default passwords. These passwords, often very simple, are like a master key that anyone can use.
6. Use two-factor authentication whenever possible
No matter how strong your passwords are and how carefully you protect them, there is always a chance of them being hacked. No system is completely secure.
The most effective way to protect your account today is to enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This means that, in addition to your password, you will need to provide another layer of security to log in, such as an OTP code sent to your phone or via an authentication app. This way, even if your password is compromised, attackers still cannot access your account unless they have your device.
While 2FA is not required for all accounts, adding a second layer of security to sensitive accounts like banking or work email is extremely necessary. This will help you protect your personal information and assets more effectively against cyber threats.
7. Don't change your password unless you have to.
According to experts, forcing users to constantly change their passwords is not only useless but also makes the system more vulnerable to attack. If you have created a strong and unique password, changing it frequently is unnecessary. This is not only time-consuming but also leads to choosing weaker passwords.
To protect your personal information, you should change your password immediately if your current password is weak, duplicated with other accounts, or has potentially been exposed in a data breach.
However, if your IT department or service provider asks you to change your password, it is best to comply. This helps to ensure the security of your account and the overall system. You can use password management tools to create strong and complex passwords that meet the requirements.
