How secure is your password?
Written by The editorial team
One of the simplest ways for cybercriminals to gain access to systems is through login credentials and weak passwords.
Secure login and password protection are crucial in the accounting industry to safeguard sensitive information.
Here are 5 tips to secure your password and login:
1. Strong passwords
Use at least 12 characters. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using obvious details like birthdays, names, or company names.
2. Password managers
Use password management tools like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden.
These store your passwords securely and can often also generate strong passwords for you.
3. Activate two-factor authentication
Many systems support this today, and it should definitely be activated wherever possible.
The user provides two or more forms of verification: it might be something you know (password), something you have (a phone), or something you are (fingerprint).
4. Sharing is not caring! (Or safe...)
Perhaps obvious, but never share passwords via email or text. If you must share, use secure methods such as a password manager or encrypted messaging app.
5. ÆØÅ or dialect? Use it!
This can be a strength in setting your unique password. Just be aware of logging into devices in other countries can be a bit challenging.
It is also a good idea to set up a system that will lock users accounts after a certain amount of failed login attempts. Cracking passwords involves trying to guess passwords to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. If attackers succeed in cracking the password, they can access all the information on the computer. They often try simple combinations like "12345" or "asdfgh", as well as known names, birthdays, and hobbies to guess correctly.
Some of the most well-known tactics used in password attacks are:
Brute-Force Angrep:
With a computer tool, attackers try all password combinations until they finally match yours. The shorter and simpler the password, the easier it is to crack. For security, your password should be at least 12 characters with a mix of symbols, numbers, and letters.
Password Breach:
When a website is exposed to a security breach, sensitive information such as usernames and passwords can be revealed to unauthorized parties. This can give unauthorized access to your account, especially if you reuse passwords.
Therefore, have unique passwords for each website.
Phishing og social engineering:
Fraudsters deceive you with fake emails or phone calls. Examples include an email from your bank leading to a fake website asking you to change your password or provide login details.
Always be on your guard and use secure password habits to protect yourself against such threats.
By following these tips, individuals can strengthen their account security and protect against cyber threats. It's important to create strong passwords, use password managers, and enable two-factor authentication. Awareness of common attack tactics, such as brute-force and phishing, is crucial. Investing time in password security today can prevent future cybersecurity issues.
Cybersecurity in Compello
You can be assured that we safeguard user data. As part of Visma, we adhere to strict security standards.