The latest online security issue to hit the press has been the hijacking of iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads. Effectively the hacker somehow gets hold of the user’s password and hacks into their iOS account and locks the user’s device with a threat to not unlock it unless a ransom is paid.
This is yet another reason for people to be vigilant about password security.
The key problem is that people have so many online accounts for which passwords are required that they tend to use the same password over and over again. So, if an online service is compromised and users’ details are stolen (such as the recent cyber attack on eBay), they could be used to access a user’s account on another online service.
If you have got to the point of having so many online accounts that you can’t possibly do the following to ensure the security of your passwords, then I suggest you think about aquiring password manager:
- Have complex passwords of at least 15 characters
- Keep an off-line record of them
- Change them from time to time
Additionally, if you haven’t already done so, set up two-factor authentication for online accounts that have sensitive information or assets such as your bank.
Would you leave the key to your house in the front door for thieves to have free access? Having sloppy password security amounts to the same thing. It only takes one occasion for one of your accounts to be attacked, for the reality of this issue to drive home to you.