• Changing your password frequently means even if someone finds an old or saved password, it will no longer be useful.
•A strong password can be memorable to you but nearly impossible for someone else to guess.
In this digital era, it is pretty easy for someone to hack your account or log in using your password.
If your password is 123 or ABC, it is high time you come up with a stronger password or change your password frequently.
Changing your password frequently means even if someone finds an old or saved password, it will no longer be useful. Keep your data secure.
It is always advised to choose a password with at least 12 characters, using uppercase, lowercase and special characters.
If you are prone to forgetting, you can always have a locked note on 'Things to remember' or create a password using lyrics you like. Avoid using real words or personal information like birthdays or real names.
Image: MARGARET WANJIRU
It may all seem like a strenuous task, changing your password frequently, but it is the first step to preventing security breaches.
A strong password can be memorable to you but nearly impossible for someone else to guess.
Keep in mind:
- Have different passwords for different accounts. For example; do not mix your email and banking password. What this does is, should someone gets your password for one account, they could access your email, address, and your bank money from simple guesswork.
- If you have trouble remembering multiple passwords, you learn how to use a tool to manage your saved passwords or use your Google Account to save passwords for you.
- Avoid choosing passwords that could be guessed by: People who know you or people looking at easily accessible info (like your social media profile).
- Try a 2-factor authentication. What this means is that whoever tries to access your account, needs authentification from a second device be allowed in.
- Do not include your name in your password. That is very easy for a person to guess.
- Add a recovery email or phone number that will help you recover your account in case someone hacks it.
- Ensure you have verified accounts and passwords. This extra confirmation by phone helps keep spammers or abusers from your data.
- Check if your account is verified by clicking this link.
- Avoid logging in to public Wi-Fi.In case you log in to a public network, change your password, as this will help keep track of your digital footprint
Remember, passwords are like underwear, change them often.