Creating Strong Passwords for Enhanced Security: What You Should Know
21 March, 2024
Synopsis
Passwords act as a key to your trove of personal and sensitive information.
By creating longer, complex passwords, you can greatly minimise the risk of brute-forcing.
Avoid names, birth dates, favourite sports team, etc., as your passwords.
Passwords are meant to safeguard your most sensitive data and prevent unauthorised access, be it your emails, your social media or your bank accounts. Plus, with cyberattacks becoming more prevalent, the creation of strong passwords cannot be stressed enough. In this article, we have compiled tips for creating secure passwords to potentially enhance your online data security.
Common Techniques Used to Crack Passwords
Before understanding the importance of password security, you ought to understand how a password can be cracked:
Brute-forcing: Brute-forcing involves attempting every possible combination of characters. The shorter the password, the faster it would be for the hacker to crack it.
Dictionary attack: Hackers can use the most common words, phrases or series of characters, e.g., password or 123456, to narrow down the search.
Leaked passwords: Attackers may search for data that may have been previously stolen and try using the password on your other accounts.
Keylogging: A hacker may find a way to install monitoring tools in your devices to record the keys struck and subsequently crack the password.
Tips to Create a Strong Password: The Best Practices
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when creating a password:
Avoid recycling
It may seem convenient to use the same password for multiple accounts. However, if one of your accounts is compromised, it will leave all your other accounts vulnerable to fraud. Using the same password for several accounts means cybercriminals may require minimal effort to hack into your other accounts.
Be creative
Avoid using the names of your loved ones, date of birth, pets, or other personal details as your password. This can make it easier for hackers to guess your password faster. Ideally, your password should be a combination of upper and lower-case alphabets, numbers, and symbols. You can string a series of random words with no real meaning to make it harder for hackers to guess.
The longer, the better
Generally, longer passwords are more difficult to crack. Consider a password that is at least 12 characters long. It would take a significant amount of time to find the password, even with brute-forcing techniques. With password-cracking tools becoming more sophisticated, your password should typically be 13 to 20 characters long.
Change passwords regularly
You ought to know about keystroke logging, a technique that secretly records the keys struck on a keyboard. Regularly changing your passwords minimises the risk of your passwords being obtained this way. Also, if you lose or change devices, your saved password will no longer be useful, keeping your data safe.
What Can Hackers Do with Your Password?
If a hacker cracks your password, they can steal your personal data, insurance details, account numbers and more. They can perform actions such as:
Transfer money from your account to theirs.
Attempt to infect your contacts with malware.
Delete important or sensitive information.
Steal files and seek ransom in exchange.
Post private information.
Sell your subscription details.
Note that these are only a few of the many possibilities of password hacking. Therefore, it is crucial that you put thought into your passwords.
How HDFC Bank Helps With Online Security
At HDFC Bank, we provide you with the highest levels of security when you transact with us. Your account is protected with a unique ID and IPIN, encrypted and stored on the NetBanking system. All financial transactions are authenticated using two-factor authentication. You are also required to change your Mobile Banking PINs and NetBanking passwords regularly.
Experience a Seamless Digital Banking Experience with HDFC Bank
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.
