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Stolen login credentials are a hot commodity on the Dark Web. There’s a price for every type of account from online banking to social media.
Even password management companies face threats such as LastPass who has recently released a statement about a security breach they're facing.
Databranch continues to monitor the LastPass security incident and we recommend that all users update their master password as a precautionary measure.
Not sure what constitutes a strong password? This article provides some guidance on how to create a strong, unique and complex password.
Continue reading below to learn other ways you can reduce the chance of your online accounts being compromised.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the best method there is to protect cloud accounts. While not a failsafe, it is proven to prevent approximately 99.9% of fraudulent sign-in attempts, according to a study cited by Microsoft.
When you add the second requirement to a login, which is generally to input a code that is sent to your phone, you significantly increase account security. In most cases, a hacker is not going to have access to your phone or another device that receives the MFA code, thus they won’t be able to get past this step.
The brief inconvenience of using that additional step when you log into your accounts is more than worth it for the bump in security.
Use a Password Manager for Secure Storage
One way that criminals get their hands on user passwords easily is when users store them in unsecured ways. Such as in an unprotected Word or Excel document or the contact application on their PC or phone.
Using a password manager provides you with a convenient place to store all your passwords that is also encrypted and secured. Plus, you only need to remember one strong master password to access all the others.
Password managers can also autofill all your passwords in many different types of browsers, making it a convenient way to access your passwords securely across devices.
Use Leaked Password Alerts in Your Browser
You can have impeccable password security on your end, yet still have your passwords compromised. This can happen when a retailer or cloud service you use has their master database of usernames and passwords exposed and the data stolen.
When this happens, those leaked passwords can quickly end up for sale on the Dark Web without you even knowing it.
Due to this being such a prevalent problem, browsers like Chrome and Edge have had leaked password alert capabilities added. Any passwords that you save in the browser will be monitored, and if found to be leaked, you’ll see an alert when you use it.
Look for this in the password area of your browser, as you may have to enable it. This can help you know as soon as possible about a leaked password, so you can change it.
Don’t Enter Passwords When on a Public Wi-Fi
Whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi, you should assume that your traffic is being monitored. Hackers like to hang out on public hot spots in airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and other places so they can gather sensitive data, such as login passwords.
You should never enter a password, credit card number, or other sensitive information when you are connected to public Wi-Fi. You should either switch off Wi-Fi and use your phone’s wireless carrier connection or use a virtual private network (VPN) app, which encrypts the connection.
Looking for Password & Cloud Account Security Solutions?
Don’t leave your online accounts at risk. Contact Databranch today at 716-373-4467 x 115 or info@databranch.com if you would like to enhance your security and want to discuss you options.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
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