Password Attacks

Table of Contents

One thing stands between you and the cybercriminals that you control. Cybercrime is a growing industry worth

$1.8 bn (USD) annually, however many people use easily defeated passwords and re-use them across multiple sites and systems.

According to one source, the most commonly reused passwords are.

  1. 123456
  2. 123456789
  3. qwerty
  4. picture1
  5. password
  6. 12345678
  7. 111111
  8. 123123
  9. 12345
  10. 1234567890

Understanding the Attack

With hundreds of articles, and countless news stories (Jimmy Kimmel Live “What’s Your Password” ) recommending using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, people continue to use weak passwords on their most sensitive information.   Cybercriminals leverage several attacks including Brute Force, Dictionary Attacks, and Credential Stuffing to steal your password, as a foundation to launch more sinister attacks like ransomware, identity and financial fraud.,

Steps to Protect Yourself

Use 2 Factor Authentication for all users
(Free from Microsoft, Google)

Use Complex Passwords.   Passwords should be a minimum of at least eight characters in length. Ideally, if the system allows, the password should be from 24 to 26 characters long.

Check your compromised accounts on Credit Karma and CHANGE them

Do not create passwords from dictionary words.

Use different passwords for all accounts

Adopt a password manager program like KeePass

Do not share passwords with anyone

Use Cloud Native secure eMail

Update latest browser & enable Safe Browsing

Use current AntiVirus

Update all devices & Keep current

Do not allow download of free software or drivers

Start cyber awareness training (free

Remember: Passwords are like chewing gum and underwear

Never share with anyone else

Keep it to yourself

Leftovers are bad

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