You’ve probably heard about digital security before but now is not the time to drop your defenses or get complacent. Cybercrimes have a big impact, the FTC reported that $12.5 Billion was lost to fraud in 2024. 

While new technologies have made our lives more connected than ever, it also creates new vulnerabilities.  As Artificial Intelligence continues to rapidly advance, bad actors have even more tools that can identify and exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses faster than ever. 

Along with AI, continuing conflicts around the world are also bringing cyber threat levels up.  State-sponsored cyber actors gather intelligence and attack critical infrastructure as part of their tactics.

Creating a strong password along with Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA) is one of the strongest actions you can take to protect your online accounts.   Bad actors use password-stealing practices to gain access to your digital life.  If you don’t update your passwords, any past database hacks could continue to expose your personal information.

The strongest password:

• Is unique for every site
• Gets changed regularly (90 Days)
• Has a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Is at least 13 characters long

When you enable Multi-Factor Authentication (sometimes called Two-Factor Authentication) you verify your identity on another device, usually a code sent to your phone.  With this extra layer of verification, even if hackers get your password, they wouldn’t get into your account or device.  Biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition) is another layer of enhanced security available on certain devices.  Some companies are using Knowledge-Based Authentication as an extra layer of security, requiring users to answer personal questions before getting into accounts.

Remembering your passwords can be difficult, that’s why you may consider using a password manager.  Password managers are apps that generate and store your usernames and passwords, requiring a “master password” to access your list.  The login information is stored in an encrypted database.

Action Steps:

1. Update your Passwords to meet the criteria in the chart

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication whenever possible

3. Consider Using a Password Manager

4. If you have a device that allows biometrics, enable it

Hive Systems, Password Table www.hivesystems.com/password

NYT, Best Password Managers https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-password-managers/