How to store passwords safely?
How to prevent password theft when using it?
Passwords are the main line of defense to protect our accounts and personal information. However, they are also the most vulnerable access point, especially during user interaction, which becomes the weakest link in security.
Security while using a password:
The following are security measures that users can take to protect their passwords and minimize the risk of theft or unauthorized access.
1. Secure physical environment:
Enter the password in a private space where it cannot be observed or recorded.Avoid using public computers or networks, as they may be infected with malicious software to capture passwords.Beware of attack techniques such as “shoulder surfing” (over-the-shoulder observation) and “skimming” (data capture using special devices).
2. Validity of the virtual space:
Make sure that the URL of the website exactly matches that of the legitimate provider.Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar and verify that the connection is HTTPS (secure protocol).Do not enter your data in websites that seem suspicious or that generate distrust.Beware of phishing techniques, which attempt to impersonate legitimate websites to obtain your data.
3. Security of data transmission:
Only use websites that transmit data securely using encryption (SSL/TLS). Verify that the browser address bar displays “https://” and a padlock icon. Avoid websites that do not have these security measures.
Additional recommendations:
- Use strong and unique passwords for each account.
- Passwords should be long (at least 12 characters), complex (with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols) and difficult to guess.
- Do not share your passwords with anyone.
- Change your passwords regularly. It is recommended to do so every 3 to 6 months, or in case of suspicion of unusual activity.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This measure adds an additional security step to the login process, requiring an additional code in addition to the password.
- Use a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
Password security is critical to protecting our personal and financial information. By following the security measures described in this document, we can minimize the risk of theft or unauthorized access to our accounts.