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In today's digital world, protecting your online accounts is essential. Cyber attacks, identity theft, and data breaches are the order of the day, and often the weak point is choosing a password that is too simple or the lack of additional protection.
In this article, we'll see:
- How to create a secure password
- What is MFA (multi-factor authentication) and why is it essential
- The most common mistakes to avoid when managing credentials
1. How to Create a Strong Password
A strong password should be long, complex, and unique. Here are some rules of thumb:
- Recommended length: at least 12 characters, preferably 16 or more.
- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid common words, birth dates, proper names, or trivial sequences (e.g., "123456," "password," "qwerty").
- Don't use the same password on multiple sites.
- 👉 Prefer passphrase: a sequence of random words or phrases (e.g.,
GattoBlu-Volava94!Tramonto).
🔐 Tip Helpful: Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or KeePass) to generate and securely store complex passwords.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is a protection that adds a second layer of security to your password.
Common types of MFA:
- Temporary code generated by apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.
- Code sent via SMS (less secure, but better than nothing).
- Hardware key (e.g., YubiKey, passkey).
- Biometric recognition (fingerprint, facial recognition).
Why it's important:
Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, without the second factor, they won't be able to access your account.
📌 Always enable MFA, especially on:
- Primary email
- Banking and financial accounts
- Social networks
- Cloud accounts (Google, Apple, Microsoft)
- Professional services (e.g., GitHub, Dropbox, etc.)
3. The Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Reusing the same password
If one site is compromised, all other accounts with the same password are at risk.
❌ Writing passwords on visible notes or scraps of paper
Storing credentials in an unsafe place (post-it notes, unprotected documents) is dangerous.
❌ Never updating passwords
Changing passwords only in the event of a suspected attack is not enough. It's good practice to update them periodically, especially for critical services.
❌ Disable MFA for "convenience"
The second factor may seem like a nuisance, but it's an essential shield against identity theft.
❌ Use your browser to store important passwords
Modern browsers have improved, but a dedicated password manager is generally more secure and flexible.
✅ In Summary
| ✅ What to Do | ❌ What to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use long, unique passwords (passphrases are best) |
Use the same password everywhere |
| Always enable MFA | Ignore suspicious login notifications |
| Use a password manager | Save passwords in unprotected notes |
| Update passwords regularly | Leave MFA disabled for convenience |
Remember: Digital security starts with you. Taking a few minutes today to set strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication can save you weeks of hassle in the future.
🔐 Your security is in your hands: protect it smartly.
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