The future of passwords

Fixing the Weakest Link — The Passwords — in Cybersecurity Today @ thehackernews.com

As we increasingly rely on the internet for our daily activities, protecting our online accounts has become more critical than ever. A weak password can be the entry point for hackers to access your personal information and cause damage to your online reputation.

This article will explore the most common vulnerabilities when using passwords, provide tips for password strength, and explain how to protect against brute-force hacking and other threats. We’ll also explore alternative solutions for securing your online accounts.

Most Common Vulnerabilities Using Passwords

The Joy of a Future Without Passwords @ veridiumid.com

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to online accounts is through weak or easily guessable passwords. This can be due to using easily crackable passwords, such as “123456” or “password,” or reusing the same password across multiple accounts.

Another vulnerability is using outdated or insecure authentication methods, such as storing passwords in plain text or using weak encryption algorithms. This makes it easy for hackers to steal and crack password databases.

Tips for Password Strength

Password Strength Meter @ ui-patterns.com

To strengthen your passwords and reduce the risk of hacking, it’s essential to follow recommended practices for password security. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use a unique password for each of your online accounts.
• Create a strong password at least 12 characters long, including a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters or symbols.
• Avoid using easily guessable information in your password, such as your name, address, or date of birth.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Brute-Force Hacking and Protection

Brute Force Attack @ imperva.com

Brute-force hacking is a technique used by hackers to gain access to online accounts by guessing the password through automated means. The attacker’s goal is to use software to generate and try every possible combination of characters until they find the right one.

To protect against brute-force hacking, follow the tips for password strength and use secure authentication methods, such as 2FA. You can also implement rate limiting on your website, which limits the number of login attempts allowed in a given period.

Password-less and Other Solutions

The future of password security @ blog.passwork.pro

In addition to using strong passwords, there are alternative solutions for securing your online accounts. One such solution is password-less authentication, which uses biometric information or security codes sent via text message (one of the less secure techniques) or emails to verify your identity.

Other solutions include using security keys, such as those offered by Yubico or Google, which are physical devices that can be used to secure your online accounts.

Conclusion

conclusion @ stock.adobe.com

Protecting your online accounts and personal information is essential in the digital age. By following recommended practices for password strength, using secure authentication methods, and exploring alternative solutions, you can keep your information safe from cyber threats.

Resources:

Images:

• https://thehackernews.com/2021/03/fixing-weakest-link-passwords-in.html
• https://veridiumid.com/the-joy-of-a-future-without-passwords/
• https://ui-patterns.com/patterns/PasswordStrengthMeter
• https://www.imperva.com/learn/application-security/brute-force-attack/
• https://blog.passwork.pro/password-security/
• https://stock.adobe.com/es/images/conclusion/221102623

Data sources:

• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), UK Government: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/password-guidance-simplifying-your-approach
• Google: https://security.googleblog.com/2021/02/towards-password-less-future.html
• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/authenticator

Additional reading:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — NIST is a US government agency that provides guidelines for cybersecurity. Their publication, “Digital Identity Guidelines,” is a widely-used resource for password security information. You can find the guidelines here: https://pages.nist.gov/800-63-3/sp800-63b.html
• OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) — OWASP is a non-profit organization that provides resources for web application security. Their OWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet is a great resource for information on how to store passwords securely. You can find it here: https://owasp.org/www-project-cheat-sheets/cheatsheets/Password_Storage_Cheat_Sheet
• Have I Been Pwned? — This website allows you to check if your email address and/or password have been involved in any data breaches. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your password security. You can find the website here: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
• LastPass — LastPass is a password manager that can help you keep track of your passwords securely. They have a blog that provides information on password security and other related topics. You can find the blog here: https://blog.lastpass.com/category/security/
• Password Strength Meters — Many websites will check the strength of your password and provide tips on how to improve it. A few popular ones include: https://passwordmeter.com/ and https://howsecureismypassword.net/