In today’s digital age, cyberattacks and data breaches have become an unsettling reality. High-profile incidents involving trusted entities like Optus and Medibank underscore the vulnerability of sensitive personal information. Despite this, a significant majority of Australians continue to neglect fundamental cyber hygiene practices, leaving their data exposed.
According to experts, a staggering 70% of Australian passwords are vulnerable to cracking in under a second. Alarmingly, commonplace and easily guessed combinations like “123456,” “admin,” “password,” and “qwerty123” persist as some of the most commonly used passwords nationwide. Compounding this issue is the widespread habit of using the same password across multiple platforms. Consequently, in the event of a breach, every account using the identical password becomes susceptible to compromise.
Recent research conducted by Telstra unveiled disconcerting statistics: 63% of Australians never change their banking passwords, 1.5 million individuals store passwords in easily accessible locations like the refrigerator, and 1.2 million keep them in their wallet or purse.
In an era characterized by extensive interconnectivity, safeguarding passwords has never been more crucial. Here are key strategies to fortify your password security:
1. Opt for Complexity and Length
Embrace lengthy and intricate passwords incorporating a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable personal information such as birthdates. A robust password typically spans at least 12 characters, avoiding dictionary words, and integrating non-sequential numbers. While challenging to memorize, their complexity significantly elevates resistance to hacking attempts.
2. Employ a Password Manager
Storing passwords on easily accessible mediums like the fridge or in a purse poses a severe security risk. Utilize password manager applications for enhanced security. Consider Bitwarden, a free and open-source software available for smartphones (iOS and Android) and browser plugins (Chrome, Firefox). Upon setup, Bitwarden requires a master password – crucial to safeguard. It securely stores all passwords, generates complex passwords for different websites, and offers an autofill feature for seamless login experiences.
Alternative password manager options include 1Password, providing additional features for a nominal fee, and Dashlane, which actively monitors online realms to alert users about potential data compromises. Regardless of the choice, a dependable password manager is indispensable for secure web browsing.
3. Implement Multifactor Authentication
While often enabled by default on many platforms, multifactor authentication remains underutilized. Regardless of password complexity, hackers can potentially access accounts post-breach. Multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security by sending verification codes to a user’s mobile device, ensuring identity verification. Particularly crucial for pivotal services like email and banking, this feature significantly bolsters account protection.
By adopting these proactive measures, individuals can substantially fortify their online security posture and shield their valuable data from the perils of cyber threats.
