How do I know if my passwords have been compromised? 

It’s a new year, and this means it’s the perfect time to consider the passwords you are using. Have you been using the same password for several years? Do you use birthdates or anniversaries? Do you use the same password for all your accounts?  

We get it.  

We know it’s easier to remember these types of passwords. But do you know what else is easy? Hacking into your account(s) when you make it too easy! Today, let’s talk about things you should consider when making your passwords and how to know if your current passwords have been compromised. 

Don’t use numbers for letters 

This seems super sneaky and hard to hack. However, it really isn’t. Simply placing a “1” in place of an “I” is far too simple to figure out. Additionally, it’s quite predictable as many people use this tactic! 

Don’t write them down 

Throw that sticky note away right now! You know exactly where it is and what we are talking about. Also, having a list of passwords saved in your documents on your computer or in your notes on your phone is also a terrible idea. Consider using a password vault that can record your information safely. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on our top recommendations! 

Don’t use words or numbers that relate to you  

Loved your childhood dog? Feeling nostalgic about the street you grew up on? Are your kids the apple of your eye? These are likely tid-bits of information you love to share, meaning it is information that is easily accessed. Avoid using identifying information such as your birth year, date, or your children’s information. 

A good rule of thumb to follow is to use a minimum of 12 characters containing no personal information and use a random mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Account takeover attacks are an extremely popular activity for cybercriminals as many of us use a single password to log in to multiple sites and services. If you are curious if your passwords have been compromised, you can visit, https://haveibeenpwned.com/, where you can check your own information as well as breached websites.  

We care about your safety online! If you have any questions or are need guidance for you or your business, please contact our team today.