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What do you really know about...password protection?

Password Protection

What is password protection?

Password protection is the term used to describe a form of security where a user is challenged to provide a specific piece of information, the password, to access data. If you have the correct response you can see the protected information, if not (and we assume a well secured system) then you can’t access the data.

Would hackers target me, or my business?

A common misconception is that individuals and small businesses aren't significant or valuable enough for a hacker to bother targeting. However, SMEs and individual people are at risk as they usually have less security and far fewer ways to fight back than big businesses.

Exactly what they have to gain depends on the hacker's intentions - whether they are looking to steal your identity, money or client's information. But remember, a hacker doesn't sit at the computer, manually trying passwords one account at a time - they use a program which attempts to break into millions of personal accounts all at once. It costs very little time and effort.

Take the login details to your personal or business email, for example. These are worth investing time in cracking because its likely that all your online accounts, orders and payments are fed through there. With that information a hacker could be able to access sites where you have saved payment information, go to your bank or PayPal to withdraw funds, use the information to steal your identity or sell the information on to someone with more malicious intentions.

How can I protect myself?

1. Use different passwords for different accounts, and change them regularly

If you make sure that all your passwords are different, this makes everything much harder for hackers. If someone does get access to one password and its been used across multiple accounts, then the hacker now has access to every account you have secured with that password.

It's good practice to change your password regularly, just in case a hacker has already gained access to one of your accounts and is monitoring it. If you change your password, they'll have to crack the new one to get back in.

2. Choose an SMS reset over security questions

Security questions for password resets are being used much less than they were, but they are still an easy way in for hackers. What's my eye colour?' for example, is going to have a very small pool of answers. 'My favourite sports team', is going to be easy to guess if the person trying to get in to your account has some idea of your location. And if you use Facebook this information may be available to the world.

Ideally, opt in for an SMS reset as well as security questions, as two factor authentication is much stronger.

3. Make those passwords complex

Ideally, every password you use should be at least 9 characters long. According to mSecure, a password this length should take ten years to crack. You also need to make sure that your password isn't in the dictionary, because the quickest and most basic attack used by programs is to try every word - which is why a symbol, a number and a capital letter are must haves.

But I can't remember a unique and complex password for every account I have!

There are plenty of tricks about for creating memorable and complex passwords, but one of the easiest ways is installing a password manager on your browser. These generate unique and complex passwords, encrypt them and then store them securely until you need them. Then it automatically fills any login screen you come across.

Using a password manager does shift the point of entry, and they can be targeted by hackers - but those behind this software are security experts and really know their stuff. LastPass and similar managers offer two factor authentication, so that a hacker would also need your mobile to access your passwords. It's not a great solution, but its the best way to balance usability and security.

Alternatively, use a pass phrase instead of a password - a series of words is much more difficult to crack. Try a line from a song with a number at the end (for example, Justoneguitar54). You'll be singing at your desk, but you won't forget your password!

If you need help setting up a password manager, or want more information on password protection, give us a call on 0191 482 0444.


The Transcendit Way

Transcendit understand that when you choose to work with us, whether we're taking care of your IT, app or web development, you're trusting us with part of your business. So whether we're looking after your computers, phone systems or servers we always do things 'the Transcendit way'.

The whole of our team adhere to the same values, beliefs and policies - the principles that were written when Transcendit first formed in 2000. Whether you come to us for cloud services or recovery backup you can be confident that you'll always receive the same excellent service.

The Transcendit way outlines how we do business; following the same straightforward principles with every client and customer, regardless of how big or small they may be.

That means we get to know you and your business. We offer you a friendly, professional and efficient service, and we'll always be honest with you.
We understand that not everybody speaks fluent IT, so we try to explain things in a way that is simple and clear. We always spend as much time as is necessary explaining things to you.
If you need to talk to us about something, no matter how insignificant, we are only ever a phone call away – and we’re never too busy to make you a cup of tea and have a sit down with you in person.
We understand how frustrating it can be when things are late. When we schedule an appointment with you, we are there when you’re expecting us. If something prevents us from getting there, we always call you in advance to let you know.
Sometimes things can go wrong, but we never lie to you or try to cover something up. If things go askew we tell you what’s happened and how we plan to prevent it affecting your business.
We want you to continuously benefit from working with us. We regularly discuss your business and make suggestions for improving systems and processes wherever we can – but we never try to push you into a purchase.
When we quote a fixed price, that's always the amount we charge – you won’t find any nasty surprises on a bill from us. If you are paying by time and materials, we inform you if our approximations could change.
We understand the importance of privacy for your business and your customers. We respect the confidentiality of your data, and we will never pass on your information to third parties.
We appreciate it when you take the time to give us feedback. A system called CustomerSure records our client's responses, so you can trust that our reviews are from real people.
Find out what they're saying here.
Everything explained very well. Great service, thank you. Susan Hunt, York Minster

Based on 12075 reviews our customers rate us 9.8/10. Reviews and ratings by Customersure. 09-October-2024

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