What are the best practices for secure password storage?

1 Use strong and unique passwords

The first and most obvious rule is to use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unpredictable, using a combination of letters, numbers, symbols, and cases. A unique password is one that is not reused for any other account, website, or service. This way, you can prevent attackers from guessing, cracking, or stealing your passwords, and limit the damage if one of them is compromised.

2 Encrypt your passwords

The second rule is to encrypt your passwords, which means transforming them into a code that only you can decipher. Encryption protects your passwords from being exposed in plain text, which can happen if your device is lost, stolen, or hacked, or if the website or service you use is breached. There are different methods of encryption, such as hashing, salting, and key derivation, that add layers of security and complexity to your passwords. You can use encryption tools or software to encrypt your passwords on your device or in the cloud.

3 Use a password manager

The third rule is to use a password manager, which is a tool or software that helps you create, store, and manage your passwords. A password manager can generate strong and unique passwords for you, encrypt them with a master password or a key, and autofill them when you need to log in to your online accounts. A password manager can also alert you to weak, duplicate, or compromised passwords, and help you change them easily. You can choose a password manager that suits your needs and preferences, such as a browser extension, a desktop app, or a mobile app.

4 Enable multi-factor authentication

The fourth rule is to enable multi-factor authentication, which is a feature that adds an extra layer of verification to your online accounts. Multi-factor authentication requires you to provide not only your password, but also another factor, such as a code sent to your phone, an email link, a fingerprint scan, or a facial recognition. This way, you can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is stolen or leaked. You can enable multi-factor authentication for most of the popular websites and services you use, such as email, social media, banking, and e-commerce.

5 Update your passwords regularly

The fifth rule is to update your passwords regularly, which means changing them every few months or whenever you suspect they might be compromised. Updating your passwords regularly can reduce the risk of hackers or identity thieves using your old or exposed passwords to access your accounts. You can also use this opportunity to improve the strength and uniqueness of your passwords, and to remove any accounts that you no longer use or need. You can use your password manager to help you update your passwords easily and securely.

6 Educate yourself and others

The sixth and final rule is to educate yourself and others about the importance and the best practices of secure password storage. You can learn more about the latest trends and threats in password security, and how to protect yourself and your content from them. You can also share your knowledge and experience with your friends, family, colleagues, and clients, and encourage them to follow the same rules and tips. By educating yourself and others, you can create a culture of awareness and responsibility around password security, and enhance your content security and privacy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?