Now to caveat this blog, I am not the authority on these things and change is constant. I hope this blog will give you something to think about and prevent you from getting in a pickle if some pain-in-the-cyber-neck gets into your Instagram account and shares some random stuff which could be damaging to your brand. The aim of this is to avoid an almighty headache as well as having to start from scratch and build up your audience in a new social media account, or worse.
Make password admin a priority
Nothing will make your heart stop faster than thinking you’ve clicked on a dodgy link and now someone is going to send your laptop into meltdown, lose all your files and steal your money. There are many straightforward things that us normal non-IT and cyber security experts can do.
Sharing with you a few things I have learned, and as always tried.
1. Never use the same password for all your accounts
This may seem obvious, but it’s so tempting right? It means you can remember them all. Do not fall into this trap! If you have fallen into this trap, change your wicked ways, as if you get caught out you will kick yourself into next week!
2. Don’t share your passwords/how to share your passwords
Just don’t, not with anyone. You can use an access device like Lastpass (there are more out there, including Danger Mouse-style options that vanish once you’ve logged in) which allows for a password to be shared and the software or account to be accessed time and time again without the password ever actually being shared.
If you absolutely feel it’s necessary for speed or the software you’re using won’t talk to the likes of Lastpass etc, you have two options:
a) Can you make this person a user/editor/admin on the account?
b) Share parts of your login using different software, i.e. don’t share the username and password in one email. Maybe WhatsApp part of it, or share one part over the phone.
3. Use strong passwords
I’m talking about the really annoying ones that you can’t remember: one digit, one capital letter, one special character and must be over 10 characters. Make it long! Go with a sentence, the longer the better, the probability of a clever password-stealing robot working out your password takes longer and potentially decreases. I have read the optimum suggestion for passwords in 2023 is 12-14 characters, and never less than 8.
4. Say no to Google
When the popup pops up, say no to Google on remembering your passwords.
5. Set a password for your laptop
The first line of defence, make sure you use a lock screen too.
6. Set a lock screen on your phone
So many apps stay logged in, so even if you’ve never lost a phone, make sure you set a lock screen, some organisations insist on it if you are accessing company files and social media using your phone, do you need to put this in place with your team?
7. Public WiFi
Can you trust it? Do you connect anywhere and everywhere to save on data? Be careful!
8. Never save your banking login details.
Just don’t do it.
9. Think about where you are accessing your logins
Look around you, make sure you aren’t logging in with all your secret passwords directly in front of a CCTV camera.
10. Who else has passwords for your accounts and software?
Are the folk you share your logins with careful? Do you have agreements, policies and insurance in place?
11. Set up two-factor authentication
You might keep bypassing this and thinking you’ll do that job another time, do it now!
12. What are your passwords?
Avoid your house name, street name, pet name, the town where you live, company name, password 1, birthday, 123456789, qwerty, guest, and admin.
What to do if you think your laptop, or account has been compromised:
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Disconnect your device from the internet
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Where will your password reset or reminders go? Which email account? Make sure that hasn’t been compromised.
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Change your passwords ASAP.
About Virtual Executive Services MK
Virtual Executive Services MK is a Virtual Assistant service based in Milton Keynes, supporting clients across the UK. Specialising in admin, marketing and social media support for small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Find out more.
*Source: CNBC.com / 23rd November 2022