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| {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: transparent;" |
| |+ | | | style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;" | [[File:ACT_BeyondSimplePasswords_Icon.svg|35px|left|link=Beyond_Simple_Passwords]]<big>'''Beyond Simple Passwords'''</big> |
| | colspan="2" | [[File:ACT_BeyondSimplePasswords_Icon.svg|100px|left]]
| | | style="width: 50%; vertical-align: top;" | [[File:Rhinos.png|100px|right|link=Enhanced_Protection]] |
| | | <strong>Cybersecurity Tools</strong> |
| | | {{#categorytree:Passwords|mode=collapsed}} |
| <big>'''Beyond Simple Passwords'''</big>
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| | [[File:Rhinos.png|100px|center|link=Enhanced_Protection]] | |
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| | [[File:Lock.png|60px|frame|caption|center|Strong Passwords|link=#strong_passwords]]
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| | [[File:two_factor.png|90px|frame|caption|center|Two Factor Authentication|link=#two_factor]]
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| | [[File:password_manager.png|120px|frame|caption|center|Password Managers|link=#manage_passwords]]
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| |} | | |} |
| | | {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: transparent; border: none;" |
| {| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;" | | ! style="text-align:center; background-color: transparent; border: none;" | [[File:Lock.png|30px|frameless|link=Beyond_Simple_Passwords]] Strong Passwords |
| ! style="text-align:center;" | Strong Passwords multiple unique passwords. | | ! style="text-align:center; background-color: transparent; border: none;" | [[File:two_factor.png|45px|frameless|link=Beyond_Simple_Passwords]] Two Factor Authentication |
| ! style="text-align:center;" | Two Factor Authentication | | ! style="text-align:center; background-color: transparent; border: none;" | [[File:password_manager.png|60px|frameless|link=Beyond_Simple_Passwords]] Password Managers |
| ! style="text-align:center;" | Password Managers | |
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| | | | | style="vertical-align: top; border: none;" | |
| | <span id="strong_passwords"></span> |
| * Length: A strong password should be at least 12-16 characters long, increasing resistance to brute-force attacks. | | * Length: A strong password should be at least 12-16 characters long, increasing resistance to brute-force attacks. |
| * Complexity: Strong passwords include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols (!, @, #, $, %) for resilience. | | * Complexity: Strong passwords include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special symbols (!, @, #, $, %) for resilience. |
| * Unpredictability: Avoid common, easily guessable words or patterns like "123456"; create unique, unrelated passwords. | | * Unpredictability: Avoid common, easily guessable words or patterns like "123456"; create unique, unrelated passwords. |
| * Uniqueness: Use different passwords for each account, preventing a breach in one from affecting others. Password managers help manage | | * Uniqueness: Use different passwords for each account, preventing a breach in one from affecting others. Password managers help manage |
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| <span id="strong_passwords"></span>
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| = Strong Passwords =
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| Strong passwords play a crucial role in safeguarding digital accounts and sensitive information. They serve as a robust defense against unauthorized access, protecting personal data and online assets from potential threats such as hacking, identity theft, and data breaches. Understanding how to create and maintain strong passwords is essential for enhancing cybersecurity.
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| == Characteristics of Strong Passwords ==
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| Strong passwords exhibit the following key characteristics:
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| === Length ===
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| A strong password should be sufficiently long, typically consisting of at least 12 to 16 characters. Longer passwords are more resistant to brute-force attacks.
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| === Complexity ===
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| Complexity is a fundamental aspect of strong passwords. They should include a combination of:
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| * Uppercase letters
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| * Lowercase letters
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| * Numbers
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| * Special symbols (e.g., !, @, #, $, %)
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| This diversity increases the password's resilience to various attack methods.
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| === Unpredictability ===
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| To enhance security, avoid using easily guessable information, such as common words, phrases, or patterns like "123456" or "password." Instead, create a password that is unique and unrelated to personal information.
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| === Uniqueness ===
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| Using different passwords for various accounts is critical. This practice prevents a breach of one account from compromising others. Password managers can assist in managing multiple unique passwords.
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| <span id="two_factor"></span> | | <span id="two_factor"></span> |
| = Setting up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) =
| | * Select an Authenticator App: Download a mobile authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy. |
| | | * Enable 2FA: In your account settings, activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) under the "security" section. |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that significantly enhances the protection of online accounts. It requires users to provide two forms of verification before granting access, typically something they know (password) and something they have (a temporary code or physical device).
| | * Scan QR Code: Open the app and scan the account's QR code to link it. |
| | | * Enter Verification Code: Input the app-generated code in the account's verification field. |
| == Steps to Set up 2FA ==
| | * Save Backup Codes: Keep provided backup codes for account recovery if your device is lost. |
| To set up 2FA, follow these steps:
| | * Utilize Biometrics: Some services support biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) as a second factor. |
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| === 1. Select an Authenticator App ===
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| Download an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy on your smartphone. | |
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| === 2. Enable 2FA ===
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| Log in to your account's settings and locate the 2FA or "security" section. Enable 2FA for your account.
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| === 3. Scan QR Code ===
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| Open your authenticator app and scan the QR code provided by the account. This links the app to your account. | |
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| === 4. Enter Code ===
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| Enter the temporary code generated by the authenticator app into the account's verification field.
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| === 5. Backup Codes ===
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| Ensure you save backup codes provided by the service. These codes can be used to regain access if you lose your device.
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| === 6. Use Biometrics ===
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| Some services also support biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, as a second factor. | |
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| <span id="manage_passwords"></span> | | <span id="manage_passwords"></span> |
| = Managing Passwords Safely =
| | * Password Manager: Use trusted password managers to create, store, and autofill complex passwords. They aid in organization and regular password updates. |
| | | * Regular Password Updates: Change passwords routinely, especially for critical accounts. Establish a schedule and avoid reusing old passwords. |
| Effective password management is crucial to maintaining the security of your online accounts. Here are best practices to follow:
| | * Secure Storage: Keep sensitive information safe. Avoid writing down passwords or sharing them via insecure channels like email or messaging apps. |
| | | * Security Questions: Be cautious with security questions; answers can be easily guessed. Consider unique, personal answers only you understand. |
| == Password Manager ==
| | * Beware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts. Always verify the authenticity of websites and emails before entering login details. |
| Use a reputable password manager to generate, store, and autofill complex passwords. Password managers also help you organize and regularly update your passwords. | | * Stay Informed: Stay updated on current cybersecurity threats and best practices for safeguarding your digital identity. |
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| == Regular Password Updates ==
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| Change your passwords periodically, especially for critical accounts. Set a schedule to update passwords and avoid reusing old ones. | |
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| == Secure Storage ==
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| Store sensitive information securely. Avoid writing down passwords on physical paper or sharing them through insecure channels like email or messaging apps.
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| == Security Questions ==
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| Exercise caution with security questions, as their answers can often be easily guessed or found online. Consider using fictional answers or codes only you would understand.
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| == Beware of Phishing ==
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| Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Always verify the authenticity of websites and emails before entering login credentials.
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| == Stay Informed ==
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| Keep yourself informed about current cybersecurity threats and best practices to protect your digital identity.
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| By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their accounts and personal information, contributing to a safer online experience. Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and proactive measures are essential to stay protected.
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| By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their accounts and personal information, contributing to a safer online experience. Remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and proactive measures are essential to stay protected.
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Strong Passwords
Two Factor Authentication
Password Managers
