Time to Change Your Password! (Digicore's Guide to Unbreakable Logins)

Ever heard of Change Your Password Day? Well, it falls on February 1st. And it’s a perfect time to do a cyber-cleanup and ensure all your online accounts are super-secure. As your technology partners, we’re here with some tested and trusted tactics to help you level up your password game.

1. Make your password?complex

If you’re guilty of using passwords like ‘1234’ and ‘password’, change your ways. Aim for complexity! Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, toss in some numbers, and sprinkle with special characters. Avoid predictable passwords like birthdays and common words.

Remember, the more intricate, the better. Keep the hackers scratching their heads until they give up! How strong do you think this password is? ‘H@ckm31fY0U!C@n’ That’s the idea!

2. Longer passwords are harder to?crack

Length matters! Opt for longer passwords?—?12 characters or more. They’re strong, and bonus, easier to remember! Here’s a fun fact: Adding just one character to your password can quadruple the time it takes to crack. So you see? The increase in security is not just linear, it’s exponential!

A 12+ character password like “MyS3cr3tP4s5w0rd!” with mixed cases, numbers, and symbols, would take centuries for even the most sophisticated hacker to crack.

3. Use unique passwords for each?account

Resist the urge to recycle passwords! If one account gets compromised, you don’t want a domino effect where the intruder gains access to all your accounts by just cracking one password. Employ a trustworthy password manager to store your complex passwords securely.

4. Update your passwords regularly

If your passwords are watertight like we’re teaching you to make them, changing your passwords annually is sufficient to keep hackers at bay. Regular changes may not be necessary unless you suspect foul play. So stay alert!

5. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Using multi-factor authentication is like fitting a locked door behind your locked door, and if possible, another locked door behind them. Combine what you know (your password) with something you have (like a code on your phone). MFA significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

6. Choose strong password recovery?options

Beef up your password recovery options! Choose non-guessable security questions and alternative email addresses. Sorry, but “What’s your mother’s maiden name?” is something a dedicated hacker could probably answer just by googling you or scouring your social media.

7. Use password?managers

Never write down your passwords on sticky notes. That’s like keeping your house key under the doormat or flower pot. You also don’t need memory gymnastics. Employ a solid password manager and turn off auto-fill so you don’t make it easy if your device ever gets stolen.

8. Regularly review your account?activity

Keep an eagle eye on your accounts! Monitor for any suspicious logins or activities. Many platforms offer notifications for unfamiliar logins so you can act swiftly whenever you suspect unauthorized access.

Beware of phishing attempts as well.

Remember, we’re in an era of unending cyber threats, especially for financial institutions constantly battling sophisticated attacks. Protecting sensitive financial data from unauthorized access is paramount, and strong password security forms the first line of defense.

Build a secure financial technology solution with?Digicore

If you’re looking to build a secure and reliable financial technology solution, your first step is to work with a competent FinTech software development company.

Digicore develops customer-centric financial technology solutions that meet ethical and legal guidelines, and help financial institutions achieve their key business objectives. If you are looking to build a gamified fintech solution, get in touch with us today, and let’s get started.