It’s natural to be concerned about password security. After all, every day, both individuals and corporations are at serious risk of hacking and loss of their critical data.
When this happens, not only can it negatively impact your experiences online, but it can also have a dramatic impact on consumer trust, as we’ve seen in several high-profile hacking events.
However, how much worry is enough – and should we be rethinking the way we approach our password security?
How can I secure my password?
Different companies take differing approaches to password security. Many opt for encryption, though others go for lesser-known techniques including hashing and salting. Whatever route you choose, most customers don’t take the time to find out what type of encryption or protection the companies they work with are using.
Until there’s a problem, this isn’t something many customers feel they need to worry about. It’s only when disaster strikes that worries around data security become more critical.
Encryption matters
Having a ‘strong’ password is a great start, but it’ll only get you so far. Without encryption, experts explain that your data is still open to exploitation. Yet much of the discussion around password security focuses only on the password itself and often neglects to factor in all the other vital aspects surrounding it.
In the most impactful data incidents, the hacker has accessed not only the password but the encrypted password of a company. Once they’ve cracked the fundamental formula, it’s much easier for hackers to access all the data we attempt to safeguard using layers and layers of encryption.
Put simply, current best practice is to ensure you don’t reuse your passwords across multiple platforms or users. In addition, you can help to secure yourself further by changing these passwords on a regular basis (preferably yearly), to help prevent hackers from getting hold of your data.
If you’re not sure whether your passwords are safe, we strongly recommend giving them a bit of a check-up! Google runs its own password check-up service, which should help put your mind at ease.
Crucially, it’s important to follow the best practice guidance on securing your passwords, to avoid being caught out as so many big companies have been in the past.
If you need help with your cyber security solutions, contact our expert team for a cyber-savvy check-up.
