Realistic ways of upgrading personal cyber security

The Washington Post published a guiding article in their Tech section, sharing tips on how people can bolster their online security in regard to passwords and explaining why we should aim for a future without passwords at all.

Aim for longer password phrases

The publication suggests creating passwords with at least 16 characters. 

"Security experts recommend using memorable phrases as passwords, with a twist. You know you’re not supposed to create easy-to-guess passwords or reuse your passwords on multiple sites. But no human can invent and remember hundreds of complex passwords. Try to prioritize by creating strong passwords or passphrases for your most important accounts such as email, financial accounts and password managers".

Consider two-step authentication on your important accounts

Using a dedicated app for one-time codes like Authy, Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator is more secure than receiving codes by text, the report argues. 

Use a password manager

Services like 1Password and Dashlane generate strong passwords on each of your accounts and store them in a digital locked box and fill them in automatically when you’re on websites and apps.

The future you want: No passwords

Some companies, including Microsoft, Best Buy and PayPal, have started to offer the option of accessing accounts with no password and instead using fingerprint or face scan.

"Microsoft told me that nearly half a million people have removed the password from their accounts and opted to log in without a password. This password-less system, which the technology industry is calling “passkeys,” is now baked into Android phones, iPhones, personal computers and major web browsers. It’s worth rooting for passkeys to kill the password system for good, although this will take many years", the author states.