… with a strong and unique password
.
The VGS webmaster has just sent out this piece of useful advice from Security Info Watch – together with a very alarming graphic:
In its most recent research in password security, Hive Systems found that any 8-character password can be cracked in less than an hour through brute force. Further, any password containing less than seven characters can be cracked instantly. These are just two major findings from extensive research conducted by the cybersecurity firm.
“While passwords aren’t the only method to keep your information safe” said Alex Nette, CEO and founder of Hive Systems. “a strong and unique password is the best way to stay safe online.”
The same advice is being given across the tech community:
5 Practical Tips to Avoid Getting Hacked – TechBullion
With a specific example from Wired:
THERE ARE TWO big reasons why people get hacked. Flaws in software and flaws in human behavior. While there’s not much you can do about coding vulnerabilities, you can change your own behavior and bad habits. Just ask former US president Donald Trump, whose Twitter password was “maga2020!”
The risks are just as real for the average person—even if the stakes aren’t quite so high. If your accounts aren’t properly protected, your credit card could be compromised or your private messages and photographs stolen and shared for all to see. Working out if your accounts have been hacked is a time-consuming and potentially frustrating process. You’re better off taking some steps to mitigate the risks of getting hacked in the first place. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself…
6 Things You Need to Do to Prevent Getting Hacked | WIRED
This is a concern very much of our times:
“Cyber criminals know that many people use the same passwords for home use as they might for business use. Don’t reuse passwords and rotate passwords regularly to protect against passwords being misused.”
How to Avoid Being Hacked When Working From Home – TheStreet
Perhaps particularly in these times:
“Consumers can use sites like haveibeenpwned.com to see if they’ve been impacted by a security breach. If you want to be extra careful, use at least a 12-character password. Regularly rotate passwords especially on email/social media accounts and for WiFi and routers.”