Digital Campaign: Passwords and Your Digital Lifestyle
Throughout this semester, I’ve worked with a senior citizen to teach them technology skills in conjunction with my Mass Communication and Human Behavior class at Northern Arizona University. When coming up with ideas for my digital campaign, I asked my senior citizen “What is something you grapple with daily when using technology?” They answered, “Passwords!”
Passwords are essential in our daily life. They are the key to your digital life. When we can’t remember our passwords, using technology can become frustrating. While we want to make our passwords easy, using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and utilizing password managers are all effective strategies to keep your accounts secured. Here are five things to know regarding passwords and your digital lifestyle — for all ages.
- Use a Password Manager
For older adults, writing down all your passwords with pen and paper works. But with social media accounts, emails, banking, and paying rent online, it’s not so easy to remember everything. A password manager acts as a safe for all your passwords on your device. Most are free or low-cost, and serve as a one-stop-shop for saving your passwords. Click on this link for a list of password managers.
What’s in a hard password to guess? What should you not use when creating a password? Here are four tips to create a strong password.
- Don’t use your name, birthday, address, license plate, or other personal and sensitive information (ex: social security number)
2. Use letters, numbers, and symbols. A random password generator can help with this.
3. Mix it up! Choose a different password for each account.
4. Be on the lookout for suspicious activity. The tweet below shows how fast a hacker can get into your account with different combinations. If you only use numbers or letters, your account can be hacked almost instantly. The more unique characters you use, the harder it is for a hacker to access your account.
3. Two-factor authentication
Some websites such as Facebook and Apple ID (iCloud) use a two-factor authentication system. Although they can be an extra step when logging into your account, it ensures that you are the one who is logging into your account.
This requires the user to input a code — sent by email or text after logging in with your user name and password. Note that Apple sometimes sends your login code to a device that you’re not using, so if you’re using a computer, keep your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch handy.
Multi-factor authentication apps (such as Duo by Cisco) are becoming more common in the University systems and workplaces. Duo also provides solutions for personal use. An app like this provides many different ways to log in, press a checkmark or decline key, or a 6-digit code for social media. Some organizations will offer a phone call or a text message.
4. Use Face-ID
Face ID on Apple products is a great way to streamline your digital life. Apple uses “pictures and invisible dots to create a depth map of your face.”
Apple also offers a digital wallet, secured by Face ID. In Arizona, a digital ID is valid for identification. You should always keep your physical ID in hand when you are out and about.
Facial recognition is also available on Android devices. Click here to learn more about setting up this feature.
5. Don’t share your passwords! If you see something, say something
Write down or record the incident if you believe you’ve been hacked. Then contact the company and reset your password(s) immediately. Friends and family can help, too.
Finally, look out for phishing emails. These emails look similar to emails from companies and people. These scams are more likely to happen in organizations and everyday companies.
I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips for protecting your digital lifestyle. What are questions or concerns you have about your passwords? Let’s chat about these in the comments!
