Mastering Password Security Unlocking the Power of Passkeys for Better Cyber Protection

QUICK TIPS: Five Steps To Protecting My Online Identity?

- KEN WONG

01 STAY AWAY FROM PUBLIC WI-FI

Free, public Wi-Fi and hotspots at Starbucks can be great for cutting your data charges and for getting work done on the go.

Unfortunately, they're also notoriously insecure, and infamous for allowing cyberattackers access to see what you're doing online and access your accounts. If you need to go online in public:Using your phone and a data connectionis a more secure option.

And/Or use a virtual private network (VPN) to give you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your Internet Protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable. So using one when you connect to a public Wi-Fi access point is essential.

02 USE STRONG, UNIQUE PASSWORDS TO SECURE YOUR ACCOUNT

No matter how many times it's been said, some of us just don't care and insist on using "Password" or "123456" as our login password. Every account and device should have a strong, unique password. If your primary email gets hacked, and you use the same password across many sites, an attacker can gain access to your whole online identity. They can reset passwords, steal data, send messages to your contacts, or empty your bank accounts.

03 USE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Opting into two-factor authentication (2FA) where available, will require you to not only enter your password but use a second form of ID verification, such as a fingerprint or text message code, making it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Did you know HWZ Forums offer 2FA for its members?

04 LIMIT THE PERSONAL INFORMATION YOU SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA