How to store passwords safely?
How to prevent a password from being stolen when you use it?
Passwords are the primary line of defense for protecting our accounts and personal information. However, they are also the most vulnerable access point, especially during user interaction, when the user 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:
Ensure the website URL exactly matches that of the legitimate provider.
Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar and verify the connection uses HTTPS (secure protocol).
Do not enter your data on websites that appear suspicious or untrustworthy.
Be cautious of phishing techniques that impersonate legitimate sites to steal 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 must be long (minimum 12 characters), complex (combining uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols) and impossible to guess.
- Never share your passwords with third parties under any circumstances.
- Update your passwords periodically. It’s recommended to do so every 3-6 months, or immediately if suspicious activity is detected.
- Enable two-step authentication (2FA) wherever available. This method adds an extra security layer by requiring a temporary code in addition to your 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.