In a world where the internet plays an integral role in education, communication, and daily life, protecting your online presence is crucial.

One of the first lines of defense against unauthorised access is a strong password. A password is like a key to your digital house. You don’t want anyone to break in and steal your personal information, such as your email, bank account, social media profiles, etc. That’s why you need to make sure your password is hard to guess and easy to remember. Here are some dos and don’ts of creating a good password:

Mix it up! – When crafting passwords, complexity is key. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. For example, instead of using “password123”, you could use “P@ssw0rd!23”.

Make your password long – The longer your password is, the harder it is to guess. Try to avoid using common words or phrases, and aim for at least 12 characters. It takes less that 4 seconds to crack a 6 character password. It would take over 200 years if your password was 12 characters. 

Change is always good – Do change your password regularly, but not so often that you can’t remember which one you are using! You should always change your password whenever you suspect that someone might have access to it. 

Make it unique – Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. If one of your accounts gets compromised, your password could be used to access your other accounts as well. That’s why you should have a different password for each account that you use online.

Shhhh – Don’t share your password with anyone. Even if you trust someone, you never know what might happen if they lose their device. The only person who should know your password is you.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Implementing two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to a mobile device. Enable 2FA whenever possible. Even if your password is guessed, someone won’t be able to use it to log in.

Passwords aren’t the only thing keeping you safe online:

• Keep devices and software updated
• Secure your home wifi with a strong password
• Review your privacy settings on social media
• Be mindful of the information you share
• Knowledge is power – Understand how to navigate the internet. The more you know, the safer you’ll be

In an era where everything is just a click away, taking measures to protect and secure our online data is a must. By using these simple to follow steps we can all contribute to a safer online environment, protecting our own data, and fostering a culture of digital responsibility. 

Keep yourself safe, stay in the know, and learn how to explore the digital world in a smart and secure way!