Practical Password Security

Use a different password for every site, or you're just asking for trouble. Why are strong passwords so important? We see this a lot: people using the same password for multiple sites, and then getting caught out when one of those sites gets hacked. It's a simple mistake, but one that can have serious consequences. We'd recommend using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each site. How do I create a strong password? A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words. Instead, try using a passphrase - a sequence of words that is easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess. What's the best way to store my passwords? We'd recommend using a reputable password manager like LastPass or 1Password. These services generate and store complex passwords for each site, and can even autofill them for you when you need to log in. They're usually priced around £20-£30 per year, which is a small price to pay for the extra security they offer. How often should I change my passwords? It's a good idea to change your passwords every 60-90 days, or if you suspect that one of your accounts has been compromised. We'd also recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible - this adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, and makes it much harder for hacker