Create a Strong Password: Avoid Hacks & Unknown Links for Maximum Security

In today’s rapidly evolving technological world, social media has become an integral part of all our lives. Whether it’s children or adults, everyone is hooked on social media. India has the highest number of Facebook and Instagram users in the world.

By January 2024, India is expected to have around 367 million Facebook users and 362 million Instagram users. Today, most people use social media to upload personal photos, videos, and chat. In such a scenario, keeping private data secure is crucial.

The simplest and most effective way to protect your digital data is by creating a strong password. A password is the gateway to your ID; once entered, anyone can do whatever they want with it. Your personal and confidential information could be leaked, leading to blackmail, so today we’ll discuss what makes a strong password. You’ll also learn:

• Why a strong password is important.
• How to create a strong password.
• What qualifies as a strong password.

Question: What is a strong password?

Answer: A strong password is one that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. It should include uppercase or lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long.

Question: Why is it important to have a strong password on any platform?

Answer: A strong password is not just an option but a necessity. In today’s digital world, anyone can steal and misuse your photos and videos. By creating a strong password, you can secure your digital world and protect your personal and financial information from leaks. If your password is easy to guess, hackers can easily crack it using hacking software, leading to potential misuse of your data.

Question: How to create a strong password?

Answer: Your social media account password should be hard to crack. It should also be easy to remember.

• Do not include names, numbers, or personal information in your password.
  Most people create passwords based on their names, mobile numbers, birth dates, or months. Often, such information is publicly available, making it easier for anyone to guess your password. Therefore, avoid including such information in your password.
• Create a password with mixed characters and numbers.
  Use lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters in your password, as such passwords are harder for hackers to guess.
  For example: N@v1Y5Ta1J@D9H, 8S4Jo3W7b@4LA.
• Avoid short passwords.
  The longer the password, the stronger it is, so avoid using short passwords. You should aim for at least an 8-character password, but always use passwords with 12 or more characters, as longer passwords are harder to crack.
• Avoid using repeated passwords.
  Each social media account should have a unique password, so if a hacker gains access to one account, they won’t be able to access others. Create different passwords for each of your social media accounts.
• Regularly update your passwords.
  You should update your password every two months to maintain account security. This is particularly important for accounts containing personal information.

Question: What types of information should not be in a password?

Answer: Hackers look for clues online that can help them hack your password. They try to guess passwords based on information related to you, such as:

• Where you live.
• Your name.
• Your hobbies and any guesses about your family.

If your social media account password is related to your personal information, update it immediately.

Question: What precautions should be taken regarding passwords?

Answer: Passwords are extremely sensitive information and should not be shared with anyone. Here are some precautions to consider:

• Be cautious of anyone asking for your social media or other account passwords, even if you know them.
• Never share your password in response to emails or phone calls. Social media companies or banks never ask for your password for identity verification.
• Always click on links sent by reliable websites. Scammers might lure you into clicking on fake links or attachments. Clicking on such links can lead to your password being hacked, so avoid clicking on links from unwanted emails, social media chats, or SMS.
• Always access your social media accounts through official websites or apps. Never use similar apps or third-party apps, as they might steal your data.