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      Password Management and Hygiene

      Your password is your first line of defense in the digital world—make it unbreakable. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating strong, smart passwords, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying secure with easy tips.

      Why Password Management Matters?

      Passwords are the first line of defense against unauthorized access to online accounts. Poor password practices can leave personal, professional and financial information vulnerable to attacks like phishing, hacking, and credential stuffing. Implementing smart password practices significantly reduces these risks.

      Best Practices for Smart Passwords

      Use a Password Manager

        • A password manager can securely generate, store, and autofill complex passwords for each account.
        • Benefits include convenience, security, and avoiding the need to memorize multiple passwords.

      Avoid Common Passwords

        • Do not use predictable passwords like 123456, password, or qwerty.
        • Steer clear of passwords based on birthdays, names, or other personal information.

      Avoid Standard English Words

        • Hackers use dictionary attacks to guess passwords.
        • Avoid using entire dictionary words or phrases in any language.

      Account Sharing

        • Do not share accounts between multiple people.
        • Each user should have their own credentials or unique account.

      Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

        • Use MFA wherever available to add an extra layer of security.
        • Refer to our MFA Knowledge Base for details on enabling and managing MFA.

      What to Avoid

      • Common and Predictable Patterns:
        • Examples: abcdef, admin123, password1.
      • Reusing Passwords:
        • A breach of one account can lead to the compromise of all accounts using the same password.
      • Physical Notes or Shared Storage:
        • Writing passwords down or saving them in cloud documents increases the risk of theft or loss.

      Advanced Tips

      • Passphrases:
        • Use memorable but random passphrases like Purple!Train#42%Giraffe.
      • Security Audits:
        • Regularly review your password practices and update weak or old passwords.

      Resources

      • Password Managers:
        • Examples: LastPass, Dashlane, Bitwarden, 1Password.
      • Authenticator Apps:
        • Examples: Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator.
      • MFA Knowledge Base:
        • Learn more about enabling Multi-Factor Authentication in our MFA Guide.

      By following these smart password practices, you can create robust defenses against unauthorized access and protect your sensitive data.