Hacker Reveals the Handwriting We Should Use in Our Passwords to Make It Difficult for Cybercriminals
Are you struggling to choose a strong password for your accounts? In this article, you'll discover valuable insights from a hacker's perspective on how to enhance your cybersecurity.
In today's digital age, a robust password is your first line of defense against cyber threats like financial fraud, hacking, phishing, and identity theft. Internet giants, like Microsoft and Apple recommend passwords with at least 12 characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. But what if there's an extra layer of security you haven't considered?
Meet José Javier Pastor Valero, also known as 'Hackavis' on social media. As a digital forensic expert and ethical hacker, he specializes in testing computer systems to boost security. Recently, he shared a game-changing tip that could strengthen your passwords against cybercriminals.
According to José, including the letter 'ñ' – the fifteenth letter of the Spanish alphabet and twelfth consonant – in your password can significantly raise the bar against security breaches. Cybercriminals often struggle to crack passwords containing 'ñ' due to its absence in many standard dictionaries. As a result, it could take them up to four weeks to decipher such a password, compared to just five hours for a typical one. You can also consider other letters from foreign alphabets, however, make sure you will be able to find this letter when you need to submit your password.
While some users responded with humor or gratitude, others raised valid points about practicalities. For instance, using 'ñ' as a password may not be feasible for everyone, as some systems may not support extended characters like 'ñ'.
However, it's crucial to remember that a strong password isn't just about one letter. It's about combining various elements like uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. To help you craft a robust password, here are five tips that you can implement when creating a password:
- Avoid personal information: Don't use names, birthdays, addresses, or phone numbers in your passwords.
- Mix it up: Create a blend of random characters, numbers, and letters to increase complexity.
- Length matters: Aim for passwords that are at least 16 characters long to enhance security.
- Don't repeat: Using the same password for multiple accounts increases the risk of cyber attacks.
- Steer clear of real words: Hackers often employ malware to crack passwords using dictionary words, so avoid using common words or names.
By incorporating these strategies – along with Pastor's ingenious insight – you can strengthen your defenses against cyber threats and safeguard your digital assets with confidence.