Today is World Password Day - Celebrated Every First Thursday in May
In the past, early operating systems (mainly mainframes) that used password protection stored passwords in plain text. The password files could be printed, and people would leave jokes in each other's home directories
Today, systems only store password hashes, but many data breaches, weak hashing algorithms, rainbow tables, or even dictionary brute force attacks combined with insecure application design still pose a threat to data security
That's why on World Password Day, it's important to remember how to use passwords correctly:
1️⃣ Each website or service should have its own unique password
2️⃣ Passwords should not be simple – ideally, they should be so complex that you can't remember them
3️⃣ You should use a password manager to help with this
4️⃣ Don't rely only on passwords – use 2FA (two-factor authentication) when possible
5️⃣ Regularly change passwords for accounts where it's the only security factor and there's no protection against brute force attacks
Check the quality of your "favorite password" here: https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords
Also check if your accounts have been involved in data breaches and sign up for alerts: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
A password manager will help generate the strongest passwords. To find the perfect password manager for you, visit: https://passwordmanager.com/
By the way – password managers can also help you share important documents securely
And password managers will proactively notify you about data breaches
PS: Ideally, we should move away from passwords where possible in favor of more secure authentication methods, but there are areas where only passwords can be used, such as: password-protected documents, archives, Wi-Fi routers, home security cameras, or even your phone
For more information: https://www.techradar.com/pro/live/world-password-day-2025-all-the-news-updates-and-advice-from-our-experts
And https://www.hivesystems.com/blog/are-your-passwords-in-the-green
