Privacy is an illusion in this public world. Nothing is yours anymore, all the personal, official and other info or any data stored online are prone to breach, unless certain regulatory methods are undertaken.
Every key you press, every website you access is recorded with every minute activity where , some are done for official purposes, for productivity and for hacking too. Data on the internet is vulnerable unless something is done to prevent that. The methods may be tedious, but by experience it is better than getting your account handled by others, reports ET. This advice on maintaining passwords and creating them will prove helpful in curtailing third party offensive probes.
Two-Step Authentication
From the name itself it specifies two steps- one is the password creation and the other a unique passcode.
In the two step verification after you enter the password at the next step you will face a dialog box to enter the OTP (One Time Password) that is generated which is either sent to the registered phone number or an email id.
With this two step process even if someone has access to your password they can’t log in and you will also be alerted that someone other than you is trying to login into your account.
Password Vaults
Remembering the passwords to all the accounts is certainly impossible by all of us. So, to avoid that if you assign a single password to all your accounts, then you just took a step near to getting your accounts hacked. Never write it down, as there are high chances of it falling in the wrong hands.
So utilize the services offered by sites like Lastpass, Roboform and Keepass which offers password vaults to save the passwords relieving you of the hassles of remembering or writing it down. By using this you will be logged in by entering the login details and all you have to remember is only one password that is of the vault. Since it is only one to be remembered make the password as complex as possible using special characters, numbers and alphabets, but remember to keep it above 12 characters. Else you can use the complex password generator by afore mentioned services itself.
Virtual Keyboards
Your password can also be known from the keystrokes touched while typing the password through the ‘Keylogger’ software. The software records your keystrokes and the password is no more private.
So be aware of loop holes like these, in future if the need arises to type the security information on any public system then use the virtual keyboard that work on screen. With the tap of mouse it will be difficult to note the keys pressed.
Virtual Keyboards
Your password can also be known from the keystrokes touched while typing the password through the ‘Keylogger’ software. The software records your keystrokes and the password is no more private.
So be aware of loop holes like these, in future if the need arises to type the security information on any public system then use the virtual keyboard that work on screen. With the tap of mouse it will be difficult to note the keys pressed.
Is my password strong enough?
Weak passwords are often the gateways to third party delving. Each and every website gives the indication for strength of the password just beside where you are creating the password. Make sure the password is strong enough while involving bank accounts and net banking.
For a proper password, it should be more than 12 characters, including special characters, alphabets, numbers and most importantly do not give your name or date of birth as your password, as this info is public. Use the online password generators in case you can’t think of anything to make the password strong enough.
Password Security Tips
*However complex a password is, change it often like once in three months or a month and don’t ever use the same password for different sites.
*Don’t use personal info birthdays, last names, phone numbers and other relative information.
*Never save passwords on the browser unless it’s your personal system.
*Don’t save your passwords in email drafts and never write it down in notepads and save them.
*Make it as long as possible as 8-15 characters or more.
*For added security use https instead of http while surfing through websites.
While Accessing on Public Computer
One can't find secure connections everywhere these days. So in case of using a public computer keep in mind not to save the passwords and next be aware that as the system is unencrypted your activity is being monitored and can be known through hacking tools like FireSheep.
And while using one’s own network, use VPN (Virtual Private Network) such as CyberGhost to stop others from knowing your location. For better services go for the paid subscription as the trial services may not stretch wide.
Have your account ever been hacked?
Hacking doesn’t mean always that you are shown out of your account obscuring privileges. Even with the same password the hackers can use the account as you do, so if your account has ever been hacked try the site ‘breachalarm’ and enter your email to know how many times the account is prone to hacking.
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