As technology begins to demand greater part of our lives, we are all in the process of constant learning,
The pandemic has only enhanced our dependencies on technology. Passwords are ubiquitous. From signing into our Banks, investments accounts, e-Business transactions as well as routine emails and the essential APPS such as zoom.
Passwords are also one of the frustrations of modern life. We all know that they are important – like locks on our houses and cars – but do you go for convenience or security? If you have the same key for every lock, you’re in real trouble if you lose it – but having to carry a big bunch of keys and then find the right one, can be a real pain…
To prevent hacking and maintain your privacy in electronic transactions we all require a high degree of security. Inevitably this exercise will involve use of passwords.
So the question arises how do we manage and remember such a trove of passwords? No longer can we get by with simple 4 digit passwords. Nor is it advisable to stick with the same passwords for numerous accounts. Here are some suggestions:-
Some tricks and tips
· Do not keep your computer open for all to access. Keep access to your computer password protected. So nobody else has access to your computer in your absence. Always log off if you leave your device and anyone is around (…It only takes a moment for someone to steal or change the password)
· Be sure no one watches when you enter your password.
· Use security software on your devices to minimize chances of hacks (E. g. MacAfee / Norton etc.)
· Avoid phishing emails (…they are getting very clever and creative E. g. I had a supposed Newsletter which I had not subscribed to, so I went and clicked on ‘unsubscribe’ ….pandemonium followed!!)
· Never share your passwords with anybody. If in an emergency you have to do this, ensure you change your password ASAP thereafter. (A friend today may not be a friend tomorrow!)
· Do not reuse same passwords for different accounts (one compromised, all compromised)
· It is advised to use at least 12-16 characters! This makes breaking a lot more difficult for hackers. Add more upper and lower case letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols (Exactly how will you ever remember this number of characters?)
· When choosing your password do not use personal information such as your name, age, birth, date, child’s name, pet’s name, or favorite color/song, etc. ( too easy to hack)
· Keep your passwords in a secure place (ideally not on your device!)
· Yes, there are Password Manager APPs that will remember your passwords for you (E.g. LastPass, Dashlane etc.) (….Are you surprised?)
· Yes, it is true writing down all your passwords on paper and keeping that hidden in your home is perhaps more secure than a Password Manager APP. (However difficulties arise if you need to access passwords when you are away from home)
· Talking of being away… Avoid entering passwords on computers you don’t control (like computers at an Internet café or library)—they may have malware that steals your passwords. Avoid entering passwords when using unsecured Wi-Fi connections (like at the airport or coffee shop) Hackers can intercept your passwords and data over this unsecured connection.
· It is recommended that you change your passwords regularly (especially if you hear that a specific organization/account you are associated with may have been hacked)
· To make your life simple you are often prompted to connect your apps to your emails. Do not do this. Your risk of your compromising your passwords increases.
· While recently with the Smart lock features, the issue seems resolved, for the peace of mind you may also want to avoid saving your passwords in your browser. Often you are prompted and asked if you want your browser to remember the password? Ideally say no. (if your computer is compromised …so are your passwords)
· I sometimes worry, what happens if I suddenly die and nobody can access my accounts? Here is a suggestion – Keep a copy of your passwords with your important documents like Wills and Powers of Attorney. (….You may have heard of that Bitcoin billionaire who died and nobody could access his billions because nobody knew the password!!)
On a more positive slant, two areas of technology in rapid demand are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and yes, Cybersecurity.
Hacking, cyber espionage as well as ransomware are regular occurrences – A rampant and a growing field. When you see that even the largest most powerful Institutions are vulnerable, it is obvious that none of us are completely ‘un-hackable’. What we need to be, is vigilant to the new technological realities.
Use the above tricks and tips for now; (…they say once the Quantum computers arrive… we will all need new tricks and tips!!!)
Shishir Lakhani ASE