Today's blog post is about password security and it comes from a very personal perspective. In the past 7 days, I have had six Facebook accounts of friends and business contacts that have been hacked and I have received a video, entitled 'Is this you?'
Ensure your password security is strong so you don't end up looking like this!
Needless to say, it was not me, and there was no way I was going to click the dodgy link that was included just to confirm it. But how did I know that the accounts had been hacked and these messages were spam? Simple, not just because I am in the business, but these particular individuals would never just send a random video, they would have started with a "Hi Pritesh" and ask how I was keeping in the pandemic period!
On top of this, I got a random email from a sales rep who works for one of my suppliers, with another email as an attachment that contained a 'link to a dodgy website'. Needless to say, there were none of his usual pleasantries in either the main email or the attachment.
My supplier is a reputable company and I do get legitimate emails from the sales rep on a regular basis. I was not alarmed, but the funny thing is that they use Microsoft Office 365 and my blog from last week (Are Your Documents and Emails Safe?) stated Office 365 accounts can be hacked and that people should get in touch with me about security..
"Oh, the sweet irony!"
Using memorable passwords is no longer an option. Use a random string of letters, numbers and symbols or use the Google Chrome browser to generate and store a random, complex password for each online services or account that you use.
This includes your social media accounts and any other websites that you have created a username and password for, such as Amazon, utility companies and online banking if they don't issue a six-digit PIN.
"If you can, always turn on two-factor authentication!"
Watch out for the dodgy emails asking for usernames/passwords or the ubiquitous "click this link to sign in" message. There has been a marked increase in attempted hack attacks recently and many start by sending an email that looks legitimate. But the style of language used can give away its lack of authenticity.
The message for today is just to be extra cautious with your emails and stay safe.
Until next time ...
PRITESH GANATRA
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