PASSWORDS RULES TO FOLLOW TO AVOID HACKING

We are using the internet every day. We keep passwords when logging in to bank accounts, various streaming services and other apps from various social networks including Facebook, Instagram.

Generally, we have a habit of keeping simple passwords. We also put our name, date of birth, and a number like 1234,222,000,000 in it. Similarly, it is customary to keep 'ASDFG', 'QWERTY' etc. as passwords for example to keep the letters on the keyboard cursory. But are the passwords we use really strong and secure? Certainly not.

Common mistakes we make while using the Internet can increase the risk of cybercrime, including personal data theft, data misuse, website and e-mail hacking, character assassination, blackmailing via the Internet, Internet banking fraud, and unauthorized use of other people's identities.

Cybercrime involves all criminal activities related to the Internet, intranets and extranets. Therefore, it is very important to have a strong password to avoid such incidents and for online security. You can make your password strong and secure by following these steps.

Do not include 'common numbers' and 'characters' in your password

When using passwords, do not use common words like 'password', 'mypassword', 'QWERTY' as your password. A strong password requires at least eight 'characters' (combinations of numbers, letters and symbols) or longer. Which cannot be easily guessed. Such passwords, which consist of a variety of characters, numbers, and symbols, are secure and strong. E.g .: ‘4Rt22y56AL_a’, ‘a6m.8GHY202’ etc.

Long passwords are considered good: Keep more than eight characters

When creating a password, include at least eight characters. But the longer your password lasts, the more secure it is. Do not put letters attached to any word in this order. Because of which no one can easily guess.

Find out if your password has already been stolen

You cannot always prevent your password from being leaked. Passwords are leaked from time to time in one form or another, whether the data is 'brich' (stolen) or 'malicious hack'. But you can always check if your password has been leaked to prevent your account from being hacked. Mozilla's Firefox Monitor and Google Password Checkup can reveal which of your email addresses and passwords have been leaked through 'Data Breach'. If there is a leak, you can immediately change the password of your leaked account. You can also find out if your password or email has been leaked by clicking here.

Use Password Manager to track your passwords

Remembering the passwords used on various social networks, sites, etc. while using the internet can be challenging in itself. For that you can use Open Source Password Manager OnePassword (1Password) or Bitwarden. Because of the ease with which you work on your desktop and phone, such password managers can help you to store strong and long passwords and even create new passwords. Web browsers like Google Chrome also have a password manager, so you can use it.

Use 'two-factor authentication'

Enable two-factor authentication in the apps you use, including Tiktok, Facebook. When 'Two-Factor Authentication' is enabled, a verification code will be sent to the e-mail ID or phone number you linked to when you log in to the website or app. Such site can be accessed only after entering the code. In order to verify that you have used any website or app from your ID, you need to enter the verification code on your mobile. Otherwise, even if you know the username and password, you cannot log in to such websites and apps. It is also considered safer to use Google Authenticator and Microsoft Authenticator apps for two-factor authentication.

Do not use the same password again

When we use the Internet, we re-enter the same password on one site or another for easy login. When logging in to different websites or apps using the same password, all your IDs are likely to be hacked or data leaked. Also, when changing and altering passwords, only the front or back part should not be differentiated. For example, when changing a password or inserting a password that is different from one password, do not make only the front or back part like 'PasswordOne', 'Password Two', '1100' - '0011' different. Passwords stored in this way can be easily guessed.

Whenever possible you should not open emails from strangers and do not reply

You are using your e-mail ID to link your social media account from any place we apply for employment. In this process, personal information such as password, credit card number and pincode is requested through 'subscription e-mail'. Do not open such e-mails. Don't even open and reply to emails or other advertising emails from strangers or organizations showing many temptations. Links to such e-mails risk leaking your personal data and information.

No need to constantly change passwords

For security reasons, changing passwords every 60 or 90 days is a long-standing practice. This practice is based on how long it takes to crack a password. However, Microsoft suggests that you do not need to change your password regularly unless you suspect that your password has been leaked. Some of us are changing our passwords in a few months for the same old reason. That is why we keep an easy password to remember or keep it as a note in the monitor.

Avoid using stolen passwords

Hackers can easily use passwords that have already been stolen or leaked. In the process, they attempt an automated login called 'credential stuffing' to gain access to an account. If you want to know if the password you want to use has already been hacked or leaked, click here and search.

Protect your information from leaks

Avoid sensitive transactions like internet banking as much as possible from the place where everyone uses computer and internet like cyber cafe. If you have to, do not tick any website to keep a record of passwords like 'Always remember my password', 'Keep me logged in'. Likewise, on social networking sites, make it a habit to add only people you know as friends. Also, as much as possible, do not post personal information about yourself and your friends online. This may reduce the risk of cybercrime to some extent.