Happy World Password Day! This is a day to celebrate the importance of strong and secure passwords, as well as to remind ourselves of the risks of weak or compromised passwords.

Digital security is an ongoing concern for everyone who uses the internet and technology. With the increasing amount of personal information that we store and share online, it is essential to take steps to secure our digital lives.

Passwords are the first line of defense in protecting our online accounts, personal information, and digital identities. They are used to secure everything from email accounts and social media profiles to online banking and shopping accounts. However, despite their importance, many people still use weak and easily guessable passwords, putting themselves at risk of cyberattacks and identity theft.

The theme of this year’s World Password Day is “The Future of Authentication.” With advancements in technology, traditional password-based authentication methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable to attacks. In response, there is a growing need for new and more secure authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication and biometrics.

Multi-factor authentication involves using more than one form of authentication to verify the user’s identity. For example, a user might enter their password and then receive a code via text message or email that they must enter to gain access to their account. Biometric authentication, on the other hand, involves using physical characteristics, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify the user’s identity.

Hackers and cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to steal personal information and use it for malicious purposes. Weak passwords can provide an easy entry point for these attacks, making it essential to create strong and unique passwords for all our online accounts.

Here are some tips to help safeguard our digital identities on this World Password Day and beyond:

Use Strong and Unique Passwords: A strong password is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. It should be at least eight characters long and different from your other passwords. Avoid using personal information, such as your name or date of birth, as your password.

Use Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to enter a code sent to your phone or email address, in addition to your password, when logging in.

Use a Password Manager: A password manager helps generate and store strong passwords for your online accounts. It saves you time and reduces the risk of using the same password for multiple accounts.

Change Your Passwords Regularly: Change your passwords at least every three months. This reduces the risk of your passwords being compromised and ensures that you stay protected.

Beware of Phishing Scams: Phishing scams used by cybercriminals, are emails that appear to be from a trusted source but are designed to trick you into giving away your password or other sensitive information. Be wary of suspicious and unsolicited emails and links either from known or unknown sources and never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on links or providing any personal information. And even when you are able to verify the sender, be sure that the attachment or links in the emails are safe before clicking or downloading.

Keep your software updated: Software updates often contain critical security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Always keep your software, including your operating system and apps, up to date to ensure you have the latest security features.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection and protects your online activity from prying eyes. Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to ensure your data is secure.

In line with the above, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) provided a guideline on how to create a strong password as well as the Do’s and Don’ts in password usage to ensure the safety of your digital lives.

Dos

1. Change your passwords frequently

2. Use two-factor authentication for added security

3. Use a combination of alphanumeric and special characters to create a strong password

4. Use different passwords for every account

5. Use a unique, secure email address for password recovery

Don’ts

1. Use default passwords. Change it on the first login

2. Use personal information such as names, dates of birth, etc.

3. Use a dictionary word as your password

4. Share your passwords with anyone

5. Use a short password

In conclusion, World Password Day is an important reminder to take password security seriously and to stay vigilant against cyber threats. By using strong and unique passwords, changing them regularly, and using additional authentication methods, we can better protect ourselves and our digital identities.