With the recent RockYou2024 data breach, which exposed over 8.4 billion passwords, it’s more important than ever to beef up your online security. Here are some easy tips to help keep your personal info safe.
1. Use a Password Manager
Password managers keep all your passwords in one secure place, so you only need to remember one master password. This makes it easy to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts without the hassle of remembering each one. Without a password manager, most people won’t use good security practices because it becomes too difficult. Examples include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden, but there are many other great choices available.
2. Use Very Long Random Passwords
Go for long, random passwords for each account. These are much harder to crack. Password managers can create and store these for you, so you don’t have to remember them all. It’s recommended to use passwords that are at least 12 to 16 characters long, but I personally use passwords with over 20 characters for added security. Longer passwords provide more security against brute-force attacks.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security with Two-Factor Authentication. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t get into your account without a second factor, like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
4. Use Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP)
TOTP is a type of 2FA where an app like Google Authenticator or Authy generates a code that changes every 30 seconds. It’s a great way to keep your accounts secure.
5. Use Unique Email Addresses for Every Account
Using unique email addresses for different accounts creates a safety barrier. If one account gets hacked, it won’t expose your other accounts or what email account you use. Tools like Addy.io can help you create anonymous email forwarding addresses, ensuring each account is associated with a different email.
6. Use a VPN on Public Networks
Whenever you’re on a public network, like at a hotel or coffee shop, use a VPN. It encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from prying eyes. Examples of reliable VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.
7. Regularly Update Your Software
Keep all your software, including your operating system and apps, up to date. Updates often include security patches that protect against the latest threats.
All of this takes me less than a minute to setup for each account and significantly boosts online security. Stay sharp and stay safe out there!