If you are like me, you access multiple websites, each requiring a different username and password format to set up an account. Over time, keeping track of my accounts and passwords has been a difficult task, and recalling that information (letters, numbers) when and where it is needed can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Tracking multiple logins in the work environment can be even more frustrating, hampering productivity and making us vulnerable to security threats. I found myself wasting time creating random passwords with cryptic letter and number combinations, and wanted to find a solution to organize and secure my logins better than I had in the past.
At netlogx, our security manager recommended we create passwords with phrases. This was a great recommendation for me because a phrase is easier to remember than a random word with odd characters and letters. netlogx also implemented two-factor authentication for more security, especially now that employees are working from home.
I also found a few password manager tools to make it even easier to keep track of login information. KeePass, Dashlane, Sticky Password, RoboForm, bitwarden, and LastPass are a few I found. Some are even free of charge!
I decided to expand on the netlogx suggestion and create my passphrases with at least 16 characters (if you sing it to a familiar tune, you may remember it more), and mix of upper and lower case characters, as well as special characters. I made them unique to each website/account (sorry, no reusing or recycling!) and de-personalized them. I utilized my creativity to come up with passphrases that I would remember. I consider it a challenge to deter those “cyber-creepers.” In addition, I added a reminder on my calendar to update passphrases periodically, especially on frequently used sites.
Before I implemented new pass-phrases in my login accounts, I decided to double-check my email accounts to find out whether login credentials have been compromised. I found a site, haveibeenpwned.com to check on whether my login credentials have been stolen. After I entered my email address, the site returned the results immediately. The tool can also send you an alert if it finds your email address within the data leaks reported in the future.
Even though it has taken some time to create new pass-phrases, I feel more organized that these will be easier for me to remember, even without a password manager. At work, I implemented the same type of strategy. To make it harder for the “cyber creepers” to gain access is my ultimate goal!
