Most of us store the bulk of our personal and financial information online, which means that securing our online accounts with strong passwords is more important than ever. A savvy hacker can crack a weak or flimsy password in less than one millisecond, leaving your personal or business information vulnerable to theft and exploitation. While you are likely familiar with basic password security practices like avoiding common names and personal information, there is a little more to ensure the safety of your sign-in information.
As you may know, passwords serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your devices, personal accounts, and information. So, a strong password reduces the risk of cybercriminals and hackers gaining fast access to your accounts and snatching your private information. While you might be familiar with most of this, hackers stealing information continues to be a widespread problem. According to IBM's research on the cost of data breaches in 2022, 83% of companies experienced more than one data breach, resulting in significant financial losses for various businesses and consumers.
The impact of having passwords cracked is detrimental to businesses and personal lives all over the world. Data breaches due to poor password security often lead to grave financial loss, instability, and vulnerability. Cybercriminals who gain access to a business’s confidential information can spread rumors, sell data to competitors, and potentially cause the company to crumble. Furthermore, on a personal level, having your accounts hacked can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and—not to mention—a massive invasion of privacy.
So, at this point, you might be wondering, how long will it take to crack my password? The time it takes to crack a password depends. A short, seven-character password that, worse yet, consists of only lowercase letters can be cracked in just .29 milliseconds. However, a password composed of 12 characters, ideally using mixed types, can take upwards of 200 years to crack. Simply put, every character you add to your password increases the time it takes a password cracker to decipher it.
To create a secure and strong password, the basic tips are as follows: First, ensure that your password includes a variety of character types, such as numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters, and symbols. Diversity increases the intricacy of your password and makes it harder to guess. It is highly recommended that your password have a minimum of 12–15 characters to enhance its strength.
Also, consider alternating numbers and symbols for letters, avoiding using anything with personal significance, like birthdays or pet names. It is vital to create unique passwords for each account and refrain from using the same password across numerous platforms. Additionally, avoid using consecutive letters or numbers and common words, as these can be easily figured out. When managing your passwords, do not store them in any account files. If you must write them down, encrypt your password list for added security. To monitor and protect your accounts, consider using password monitoring tools like Web Of Trust (WOT) to track unauthorized access attempts.
Adopting these practices can help you create strong and secure passwords that protect your business and personal information from cyber-criminals. Remember, password security is an ongoing process, so be sure to update and change your passwords regularly. Password security is critical, and by understanding the importance of strong passwords and using best practices, you can better protect your online accounts and information. Stop worrying about how safe your personal information is and start taking action to secure your passwords and protect your privacy.
