Password Protection: How to Create Strong Passwords

Every password you have is important. Here's how to make your passwords uncrackable.

ONTENTS

We live in a password-driven world, where between four and 20 characters are the difference makers in whether you're able to access your data, communicate with friends, or make your online purchases. The problem is that passwords should be different everywhere you use them, and that can make it difficult to remember them all. And, if a password is truly strong, that makes it even more difficult. That's why we've put together this helpful password guide. Follow these tips and tricks to take total control of your terms for access.

Common Problems with Passwords

Use Different Passwords Everywhere, Why would you do this when it's so easy to just type "fido" at every password prompt? Here's why: If "fido" gets cracked once, it means the person with that info now has access to all of your online accounts. A study by BitDefender showed that 75 percent of people use their e-mail password for Facebook, as well. If that's also your Amazon or PayPal password and it's discovered, say good-bye to some funds, if not friends.

Remember the Underwear Meme The saying goes like this: Passwords are like underwear. You should change them often (okay, maybe not every day). Don't share them. Don't leave them out for others to see (no sticky notes!). Oh, and they should be sexy. Wait, sorry, I mean they should be mysterious. In other words, make your password a total mystery to others.

You can make your password sexy if you really want, however. I won't judge. Avoid Common Passwords If the word you use can be found in the dictionary; it's not a strong password. If you use numbers or letters in the order they appear on the keyboard ("1234" or "qwerty"), it's not a strong password. If it's the name of your relatives, your kids, or your pet, favorite team, or city of your birth, guess what—it's not a strong password. If it's your birthday, anniversary, date of graduation, even your carlicense plate number, it's not a strong password. It doesn't matter if you follow this with another number. These are all things hackers would try first. They write programs to check these kinds of passwords first, in fact.

Other terms to avoid: "god," "money," "love," "monkey," "letmein," and for the love of all that's techie, if you use "password" as your password, just sign off the Internet right now.

What Is Phishing Attack and How It Works?

             Phishing is a simple and 100% working technique to Acquire passwords or secret codes such as credit card numbers of victims. Everyone using E-banking or any social networking site like Facebook or Twitter have to deal with these kinds of Phishing Attacks. You can only save yourself from these kinds of attacks from your own awareness because no antivirus or Firewall is able to detect these kinds of malicious activities.

It is not a virus that comes to your system and then send your passwords to the Hacker but it work in real time i.e. it will send your password to the Hacker at the same time you enter it from keyboard.

How it works?

             Its working is simple. Hackers create an exactly same web page you are looking for (website Forgery). For example if you are on Facebook and click on the malicious link spread by Hacker, a window will open asking for your username and password. This window will be exactly same as the facebook login window, victim will think that he is accidently logged out and he will enter username and password, and these details will be directly sent to the Hacker. Generally Hackers spread these links asking you for - any post like , watch video , see latest news etc. this is done to attract people to their link and making them to click it. Similar is the case while you are doing E-banking as Phishers are targeting the customers of banks and online payment services. When they click they are asked details such as passwords and credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, which the legitimate organization already has. Sometimes you might have seen E-mails saying that you have won the prize worth thousands of dollars and to claim it send us your several details or fill form provided with the link. 

How to save yourself from Phishing Attacks?

1) Never click on any link that seems suspicious.

2) Always Use OTP (One Time Password) Technique while doing E-banking.

3) Use two step verification methods in gmail account.

4) Always check the SSL certificate given in the URL (HTTPS) of the site while entering your login details.

5) Before entering your login details take a look of the URL and make sure that it is same site in which you want to login.

6) Always use secured connection while connected via WiFi.