Hello! This is Shemhaza, the Guardian (Sentinel). When we use the internet, we register for many websites and apps, right? What's always necessary then is a 'password'. It's like the key to your house or locker. But is that key truly safe? In fact, many people unknowingly use dangerous password practices, making their valuable information a target for cybercriminals. Today, let's thoroughly discuss the dangerous pitfalls of passwords and how to protect yourself from them.
Is Your Password Safe? Dangerous Tactics You Should Know
- ▸① Reusing passwords is extremely dangerous! Damage spreads like a domino effect: If you use the same ID and password for multiple services, just one service having a data breach could lead to other services being successively taken over. This is called 'credential stuffing attack,' and criminals use leaked information to try unauthorized logins one after another.
- ▸② 'Weak passwords' can be cracked in seconds?!: Passwords that are easy to guess, such as birthdays, names, simple number sequences (e.g., 123456, password), or keyboard patterns (e.g., qwerty), can be instantly deciphered with special tools. In fact, passwords like 'password' and '123456' are consistently ranked among the most commonly used and dangerous passwords worldwide.
- ▸③ Data breaches are a reality that can happen anywhere: Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, the services you use can themselves be subjected to cyberattacks, leading to password information being leaked. In fact, password leaks due to unauthorized access have been reported at Japanese universities, famous companies, and online services. If you reuse passwords at such times, you could suffer damage on other services as well.
Checkpoints to Protect Your Important Information
- ✓Verify that you have set a different password for every service.
- ✓Confirm that your password is at least 10 characters long, combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, making it complex and difficult to guess.
- ✓Do not use information that can be easily guessed by others, such as birthdays, names, phone numbers, or easy-to-remember words.
- ✓Do not write down passwords on paper notes or sticky notes and leave them in plain sight.
- ✓Consider using a convenient tool called a 'password manager' to automatically generate and securely manage complex passwords.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you are concerned that your password may have been leaked or that you may have been a victim of unauthorized login, change your password immediately and contact the following consultation services. For unauthorized credit card use, contact your card company immediately. It's important not to worry alone, but to rely on trustworthy experts and consultation services.
Consumer Hotline (188) or Police Consultation Service (#9110)