Password security - How to protect yourself against cyber criminals

World password day is a reminder for us all to evaluate the security of our passwords and accounts. It’s easy to fall in a habit of setting simple and easy to remember passwords such as ‘123456’, the name of your pet or your name and birth year. However, these kinds of passwords are not secure and are easily hacked by criminals who use a range of tools to help themselves to gain access to your accounts.

Once a cyber criminal gains access to one account, they can then easily hack into your other accounts such as your banking, social media, and email, if you use the same password – leaving you vulnerable to extortion, financial loss, or even identity theft.

It is therefore very important to consider the diversity and security of all your passwords and to encourage your loved ones to do the same. You can do this by:

• Using random chains of words and characters for your passwords
• Set a different password for each of your accounts
• Use a password manager app so you will not forget your passwords
• Use multifactor authentication wherever possible

For more guidance, please visit the NI security centre website https://www.nicybersecuritycentre.gov.uk/powerful-passwords-keep-you-secure