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The 6 Golden Rules For Your Online Passwords
Cybercrime is a growing concern. Hackers will attempt to gain unauthorised access to your online accounts, particularly your primary email account. But most hackers can be stopped by following a few simple steps. To keep your online accounts safe, we recommend following these 6 Golden Rules with regards to your passwords:
1. Use Three Random Words
The strongest passwords are long and memorable. Combine three random words to create a "passphrase" (e.g., FridgeCloudsTiger!). This is much harder for a hacker to crack than a short complex password like P4$Sw0rd!. WHEN IT COMES TO PASSWORDS LONGER IS STRONGER.
2. Make Them Unique
The number 1 mistake is using the same password for multiple accounts. If one site is breached, hackers will try that password on your banking, email and social media accounts. Use a different password for every account.
3. Use a Password Manager
You don’t need to remember dozens of complex passwords. Consider using a reputable Password Manager to store them securely. These act like a digital vault. It is acceptable to write down passwords if you keep them somewhere safe and secure, out of sight and away from the device (computer / tablet / mobile phone) itself. Please note, some banking / financial services, forbid users to write down their passwords.
4. Turn on 2-Step Verification (2SV)
Also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This gives you an additional layer of defence. It provides you with second check, often by way of a notification or a code sent to your mobile phone. Enable this on your email immediately. Most bank accounts automatically set up 2SV when you create your on-line banking account. If you don’t have this for your bank account, please contact your bank and get it set up.
5. Length Over Complexity
REMEMBER LONGER IS STRONGER. Aim for at least 12 characters. Avoid using personal details like family or pet names, the make / model of your car, birthdays / dates of birth, addresses / street names or your hometown. All this sort of information is easy for criminals to find online.
6. Don’t Change Passwords Just Because You Think You Should.
Once you have your LONG STRONG password, you only need to change it, if it has been stolen or if a service notifies you of a security breach. Regularly changing passwords often leads to people choosing weaker, easy-to-guess ones.
How to check if you've been compromised:
Visit - HaveIBeenPwned.com - to see if your email address has ever been involved in a data breach. If it has, change your password for that particular service immediately.
More advice on staying safe online, can be found at the National Cyber Security Centre’s website here - www.ncsc.gov.uk
Reporting Cybercrime
If you believe any of your accounts have been hacked, report the matter immediately to - reportfraud.police.uk - the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, or call 0300 123 2040. Timely reporting can help prevent further damage and assist in catching cybercriminals. If the hacked account contained financial information, immediately alert your bank / financial institution. Call them right away to inform them of the suspicious incident. You can quickly reach many UK banks' fraud departments by calling 159
Stay safe, stay secure.
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