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What you need to know
Password Hacking
Password hacking refers to the unauthorised and unwanted procurement of passwords for devices, applications and services – usually with criminal intent
A hacked password is normally just the start of the problem. Once the attacker has your data there are lots of options available to carry out hacking:
- Online banking: Account information is stolen, and hackers may even be able to access the account
- Workplace login data: Confidential information is stolen from you
- Email accounts: Unwanted emails are written in your name
- Online shops: Orders are placed from your account
- Chargeable downloads (media, software, etc.) are ordered
- Social networks: unpleasant messages are distributed in your profile and/or defamatory content is uploaded
Use different passwords
Create different passwords for email accounts, online banking, etc.
Change your passwords regularly
Protect yourself by changing your passwords at regular intervals
Do not disclose your passwords to other people
And don’t use other people’s passwords either
Change your password immediately if you suspect that your password has been disclosed
You should change your password immediately if you suspect that an unauthorised third party has gained knowledge of it
Never write down your passwords
Under no circumstances should you list out all your passwords in a place where they can be accessed
Don’t save your passwords on the network
For example on Intranet pages or in SharePoints
Create secure passwords
A password should be at least eight characters long and include letters, numbers and special characters as well as upper and lower case letters
2-factor authentication
Two factor authentication (2FA) is used to prove a user’s identity through a combination of two different and, in particular, independent components (factors). Typically, this might be something that the user knows, owns or something that definitely belongs to them. One everyday example is using a cash point machine: the transaction can only be carried out using a bank card and a PIN
If necessary, use a password safe
To store personal passwords
