The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the IT Ministry is observing the Cyber Jagrookta Diwas today (April 3). To mark this event, the government’s cybersecurity watchdog has shared some important tips for your passwords. Strong passwords are important to keep your email and online banking accounts safe from hackers. Here are a few things that your should keep in mind regarding your passwords:
Tips for your passwords
Best practices to stay safe from phishing attacks
Tips for your passwords
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Don’t use the same password for multipl accounts
- Always logout after each online session
- Don’t use obvious things as passwords, like pet name, street name and more
- Try changing your passwords regularly
- Don’t use dictionary words as passwords
- Passwords you choose must be a combination uppercase and lowercase alphabets and should also include numbers and symbol
- Avoid clicking suspicious looking links received via email or messages
- Create passwords that are hard to guess
- Avoid using short and simple passwords that can be cracked easily
Best practices to stay safe from phishing attacks
Apart from these password tips, CERT has also shared some best practices to create awareness and sensitise internet users on safeguarding against cybercrimes and frauds.Cyberattackers share malicious links or attachments to collect sensitive data or to commit financial frauds. Here are some of the best practices that users should follow to stay protected against phishing attacks:
- Do not click on unknown links/attachments received from through email, sms or social media platforms.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for all your email, bank and social media accounts.
- Secure your device with updated antivirus.
- Avoid filling forms that comes via unsolicited email.
- Never open email or ads offering free downloads.
- Always enable your spam email filters.
- Do not respond to emails containing threatening contents.
- Do not open emails containing spelling mistakes or usually hyperlinks.
- Do not react to emails that create a sense of urgency.
- Do not click on shortened URLs.
- Copy shortened URLs without clicking and validate the original URL before clicking.
