![]() However, that also makes it easier for an attacker to crack them. Most people use passwords that are based on personal information and are easy to remember. Once a system is compromised, it is open to exploitation by other unwanted sources. Many systems and services have been successfully breached because of non-secure and inadequate passwords. Passwords are the most common means of authentication, but only work if they are complex and confidential. This authentication process is more important and more difficult in the cyber world. Verifying that those requesting access are the people they claim to be is the next step. One of the best ways to protect information or physical property is to ensure that only authorized people have access to it. Often, an attack is not specifically about your account, but about using the access to your information to launch a larger attack. Tracking all of the number, letter, and word combinations may be frustrating, but these protections are important because hackers represent a real threat to your information. If in doubt, go directly to the official website of the bank or other service you’re trying to access using your own bookmark or by typing the legitimate address of the service yourself.You probably use personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords, or passphrases every day: from getting money from the ATM or using your debit card in a store, to logging in to your email or into an online retailer. Scammers can copy the look of a company’s communications to fool you into clicking a phony link or attachment, so use caution with links that appear in unsolicited emails, social media, or SMS messages. Never share your password in response to an email or phone call - for example, to verify your identity - even if it appears to be from a trusted company or person.Īlways access websites using trusted links. Treat all unexpected requests for sensitive info with caution. ![]() For example, a crook may have hijacked a friend’s account and sent email to everyone in the friend’s address book. Here are some guidelines to follow to protect your passwords and other sensitive information:īe wary of anyone who is requesting sensitive info from you, even if it appears to be someone you know or a company you trust. (You may have heard these con games referred to as " social engineering".) If you receive an email message that appears to be from an online store (like eBay or Amazon) or a phone call from your “bank” that tries to convince you of the “legitimate” need for your password or other sensitive information, it could be a phishing scam. (Just be sure they make sense to you, so you'll remember them.) Don’t be tricked into revealing your passwordsĬriminals can try to break your password, but sometimes it’s easier to exploit human nature and trick you into revealing it. For example, if the question is "Where were you born?" you might answer "Green." Answers like these can’t be found by trolling Twitter or Facebook. Tip: If you’re asked to create answers to security questions, provide an unrelated answer. Don't write them on sticky notes or cards that you keep near the thing the password protects, even if you think they're well-hidden. It's ok to write your passwords down, as long as you keep them secure. ![]() See Save or forget passwords in Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge can remember your passwords for you and automatically fill them in for you when needed. The best password managers will automatically update stored passwords, keep them encrypted, and require multi-factor authentication for access. ![]() If you don’t want to memorize multiple passwords, consider using a password manager. That's called a " Credential stuffing attack" and it's extremely common. If crooks steal your account information from one site, they'll try to use those credentials on hundreds of other well-known websites, such as banking, social media, or online shopping, hoping you've reused the password elsewhere. Never send a password by email, instant message, or any other means of communication that is not reliably secure. Once you’ve created a strong password, follow these guidelines to keep it secure:ĭon’t share a password with anyone. See Use Password Generator to create secure passwords. Tip: Don't want to think up your own strong passwords? Microsoft Edge can create and remember strong, unique, passwords for you. ![]()
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