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Passwords Explained: Simple Ways to Protect Your Accounts
From banking and shopping to social media and email, our online accounts contain a lot of valuable information.
Strong account security doesn't need to be complicated. Choosing the right sign-in method and using a few simple tools can make it much harder for criminals to access your accounts.
A Better Way to Protect Your Accounts
The way we sign in to online accounts is changing.
Where available, passkeys are becoming one of the safest and easiest ways to protect online accounts. Instead of a password, passkeys use the security features already built into your device, such as facial recognition, fingerprints or your device PIN.
Because passkeys are designed to work only with genuine websites and apps, they offer strong protection against common online attacks.
Don't Make It Easy for Criminals
Not every website or app supports passkeys yet, so passwords remain important.
If you need to create and remember a password yourself, try combining three random words that are memorable to you but difficult for someone else to guess.
Some websites may require numbers, symbols or capital letters. Where that's the case, follow the website's requirements. Most importantly, use a unique password for every important account.
Let Technology Do the Hard Work
Remembering lots of different passwords can be difficult.
A password manager can securely store your passwords and create strong, unique passwords for each account. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords, you only need to remember one. Using a password manager can also help reduce the temptation to reuse passwords across multiple websites.
Add an Extra Layer of Protection
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds another security check when signing in.
This could involve entering a code, approving a notification on your phone or using an authentication app after entering your password.
Even if someone learns your password, MFA can help stop them accessing your account.
Small Steps, Big Difference
Protecting your online accounts doesn't have to be complicated.
✅ Use passkeys where they're available.
✅ Create strong passwords using three random words.
✅ Use a different password for important accounts.
✅ Consider using a password manager.
✅ Turn on MFA when offered.
A few small changes today can help keep your accounts and personal information safer in the future.