DYK - Simple, Re-used Passwords are not safe!

Did You Know - Your simple, re-used

passwords are putting you at Risk!

Using a password like your pets name or favourite footy team, may be easy to remember, but using short repeated passwords is a habit that puts your online presence at risk.

Our tech team use a website called "Have I been Pwned" to check if a password has been hacked. You can check it out yourself here - https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords

Another site you might like to check out is https://www.security.org/how-secure-is-my-password/

These websites also contains lots of other great information, like "what makes a good password". More on that below.

A strong unique password is crucial for protecting your personal and sensitive information online. It helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, safeguarding against identity theft, financial loss, and data breaches. A weak password can be easily guessed or cracked, putting you at risk of hacking. Using a strong, unique password for each account adds an extra layer of security and reduces the chances of your information being compromised.

Using a passphrase—a combination of  words, numbers, and symbols—can make your password even stronger. For example, instead of a simple word like apple123, a phrase like  Myhusbandis40in2025! is much harder to crack. You can also tailor the phrase to  the specific account you are logging into for example -  Imsaving$forBali2026. They’re  long,  unpredictable, and combine elements that aren’t easy to guess, offering better security while still being memorable.

Lots of complex passwords are hard to remeber so one of the ways the team at Connelly's create, save and manage our passwords is to use a Password Manager software. We (including the boss) use KEEPER Password Manager. It will create, store and recall random, complex passwords for you.

Many providers like Microsoft, Google and all Banks and Finacial institions are making you tighten your security by forcing you to use MFA (Multi Factor Authentication). An example of MFA or 2FA (2 factor Authentication) is where your mobile phone or an app on your phone is required. You are sent an SMS message with a code or the "Authenticator" app on your Phone, creates a code for you to enter. This is an extra level to go with your username and password to help ensure it is YOU trying to login to your account.

Want to find out more, need help or wish to purchase Keeper Password Manager? Contact our Team on 6382 4099 or Sales@connellys.com.au