Password security practices continue to evolve as threats become more sophisticated. What was considered secure five years ago may no longer be adequate protection for your accounts.
Length matters more than complexity. A 16-character passphrase using common words is significantly harder to crack than a short complex password. For example, correct-horse-battery-staple is both memorable and secure.
Unique passwords for every account are non-negotiable. When one service is breached, attackers test stolen credentials on other platforms. Password reuse turns a single breach into a cascade of compromised accounts.
Two-factor authentication adds a critical second layer. Even if your password is compromised, 2FA prevents unauthorized access. Hardware security keys provide the strongest protection, followed by authenticator apps. SMS-based 2FA is better than nothing but is the weakest option.
Password managers solve the impossible challenge of remembering unique passwords for hundreds of accounts. They generate, store, and auto-fill complex passwords, requiring you to remember only one master password.
Passkeys are emerging as the future of authentication. Supported by Apple, Google, and Microsoft, passkeys use biometrics or device-based authentication to eliminate passwords entirely for supported services.
Check if your credentials have appeared in known data breaches using services like Have I Been Pwned. If any accounts show up, change those passwords immediately and enable 2FA where available.
Leave a Reply