Lock It Down: Password Mistakes to Avoid and How to Stay Safe Online

Emma
May 20
3 min read

Are you still using the same password for everything? In a world where your entire digital life from your bank account to your Netflix queue depends on a few words you type into a login box, password security isn’t just important—it’s essential. Many of us still fall into the same habits with our passwords that make our accounts easy targets for hackers and cybercriminals.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do and what to avoid when it comes to keeping your passwords and your information safe.

DO: Create strong, unique passwords for every account.

Using the same password across multiple sites is like having one key for your house, car, office, and safe. If it’s stolen once, everything is vulnerable. Use passwords that are long, random, and unique to every website. Ideally, using a different password with twelve or more characters and a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols is a good structure.

AVOID: Using obvious passwords.

Using obvious passwords includes “password123,” “qwerty,” and anything involving your name or birthdate. Hackers try common words and patterns first. Avoid personal info and predictable combinations, even if they feel clever. A hacker can get passwords like these in under 30 seconds.

DO: Try a password manager.

You may be wondering, how am I supposed to remember strong, unique passwords for each account? The answer is, you're not! Remembering dozens of complex passwords isn't realistic and recording them in a notebook or spreadsheet isn't the safest. A password manager stores all of your logins securely and even generates strong passwords for you. You only need to remember one master password.

AVOID: Reusing passwords.

If one site gets breached, attackers often try the same login on other accounts. This is a method called credential stuffing. Even slightly modifying a reused password (like changing a number) doesn’t offer much protection, because hackers rely on tools that quickly test common variations when attempting to break into accounts.

DO: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).

Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection to your accounts. It’s called “two-factor” because it requires two steps to log in: something you know (your password) and something you have (like a one-time code sent to your phone or an app). Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in without that second factor. Whenever 2FA is available, turn it on. It’s one of the most effective ways to stop account break-ins.

AVOID: Share your passwords.

Even with people you trust, sharing passwords isn’t safe. They can get lost, leaked, or misused. It can be accidental, in a breach (a data leak), or a hack (a direct attack). There are secure options available where you can share access without compromising your information and level of control.

If you need to share access, use built-in tools like:

Family Sharing This option gives others access without your login.
Delegated Access You can let someone manage your account.
Team Roles Try setting permissions for coworkers without sharing personal credentials.

If you want more information on how to wisely share access with your team, reach out to Relay Tech for a quick chat. We're more than happy to assist you with a system and roles or accounts that work for your specific needs.

DO: Update passwords after a breach.

If there's a breach on a website you use, change your password immediately. If you have the same password on other accounts, change those too. If your password was exposed in a breach, hackers can use it to access your other accounts. You can check if your credentials have been compromised using a tool like Have I Been Pwned.

Password security doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent and diligent. By following the best practices above and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly reduce your risk of cyberattacks. When your accounts are well protected, you gain peace of mind—freeing you up to focus on growing your business with confidence!