Securing your passwords
Passwords are our keys to the Internet. They are how we identify ourselves on different websites. Protecting your passwords is crucial to preventing unauthorised access to your information and user accounts. Strong passwords and smart use will go a long way.
Use strong passwords
To protect your information, it’s important to have strong passwords. It’s especially important to have a strong password for your most important services.
Strong passwords can be created in many ways. Here are some tips:
- The longer the password, the more secure it is; while 12 is recommended number of characters, adding more – both numeric, uppercase, lowercase and special characters – reduces the risk of someone cracking the password.
- Use a passphrase. You can form the password by, for example, combining the first letter of each word in a sentence, phrase or song lyric.
- Swedish characters (å,ä,ö) can cause problems if you use a non-Swedish keyboard.
- Avoid words that can be linked to you as a person.
- Avoid common words such as “Football”, “Anna”, and “Summer”.
Start with your e-mail
It’s particularly important to create a strong password for your e-mail account. It's usually where you receive password-reset e-mails for other services, making it particularly attractive to fraudsters. If you are a business owner and have important company information and other/other people's sensitive data in your e-mail inbox or calendar, it’s important to review how you manage your passwords.
Use multi-factor authentication
So-called multi-factor authentication is a good way to enhance the security of information stored in e-services. This means that more than just a password is required to log in. For example, it can be a combination of something you know (such as your password), something you have (such as a card or mobile phone) and something you possess (such as your fingerprint).
Use unique passwords
A common mistake is to use the same password for several services. So, just by figuring out the password for one service, fraudsters can gain access to multiple services. This can lead to you losing control of important accounts.
Password managers
A password manager is software that keeps track of all your current passwords. It’s usually an app for your mobile phone where you store your passwords. The app is protected by a special password that must be very strong. Then, you only need to know one strong password. Password managers can also help you create strong passwords.
Never divulge your passwords
Even if a password is strong, protection can be weak if the password is not managed properly. The basic rule for passwords is that they should not be shared with anyone. Never give your password to anyone who contacts you by phone or e-mail. Government authorities, banks and reputable companies will never ask you to do this. Also, keep your passwords in a safe place. Don't write them on notes or in your mobile phone.
Checklist: securing your passwords
- Never divulge your passwords.
- Use unique passwords for different services – especially your most important services.
- Use long passwords, preferably a passphrase that is easy to remember.
- Use password managers.
- Enable multi-factor authentication when possible.
As a business owner, how should you approach security?
Vigilant password management is important in any business.
- Review services, apps, and logins used in your company. Do all employees require access to all information?
- Ensure that employees use strong passwords for their own personal logins (accounts).
- Encourage employees to avoid using the same passwords as for private logins.
- Activate screen locks on all company computers, mobile phones and tablets.