Still worth protecting your online activities

[ASEAN NOW News]

Last month we ran an article on online security and passwords, which seemed to get several views and comments.

 

As most of us Expats now rely on online transactions to run our daily lives, we asked the question…. Are we taking unnecessary risks security-wise?

 

No of course technology is advancing by the day and many expats especially the elderly and retired struggle just to keep up.

 

Some I think wish we could go back to the fax machine or even using a telex.

 

That said online fraud is rife and elderly expats can easily be conned into giving away vital information so fraudsters can empty their accounts online.

 

Research into common passwords worldwide, for instance, reveals that many people still use known, popular passwords, which are the digital equivalent of sitting ducks.

 

One of our viewers had some sensible suggestions.

 

I let my 1Password app do all the generating and securing of passwords.

 

Use a unique and complex master password to secure the app itself, fortify further by adding 2FA hardware keys (Yubikey) and throw in some good old common sense when choosing which links to click on and which to ignore and you have unbeatable security.

 

 

If you use Gmail, also enroll in Google's Advanced Protection Program to thwart hacking and malicious penetration attempts. 

 

The Dangers of Weak Passwords Weak passwords represent a significant security risk. 

 

The best way to ensure your passwords are complex is to use a random mix of upper and lowercase letters, numerals, and special characters.

 

You can also use punctuation such as hyphens, em-dashes, periods, and colons as well.

 

Generating complex (and lengthy) passwords is much easier with the help of a dedicated password tool. Your browser offers to generate and store these for you.

 

Instead, opt for a dedicated third-party tool such as LastPass, a password manager that stores, secures, and generates complex passwords.

 

Good for the older expat who may have trouble remembering a new password or two.

 

That said another viewer commented as follows

 

The problem is that many are in their prime time around here and remember members' complex and unique' passwords where they hardly remember what they had for breakfast.

 

Perhaps next time after your eggs and bacon you can remember to log in and try to register with one of these apps.

 

Good luck!

 

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