Time to Update your PASSWORDS!
Yesterday it was reported that a single file containing 773 MILLION emails along with 21 MILLION passwords was posted on a popular hacker forum.
We know that this is not related to plumbing and heating or to our websites, however, when our incredible IT staff alerted us to this we knew that we had to let our Warrior Plumbing family and friends know.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Make sure that you check EVERY PASSWORD you use, especially if you use the same one for multiple sites (which is a very BAD practice). The data includes many hacks for over the years so be sure and check old email addresses and passwords.
1: Use this link to check if any of your email addresses are on the list.
2: Use this link to check if any of your passwords are on the list.
If your email and passwords are on the list CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS IMMEDIATELY!
To see the original article Click Here
HERE ARE SOME STEPS TO STAY SAFE ONLINE
Be Aware of Phishing Scams
That most loathsome of tactics — phishing — is when cybercriminals try to trick, intimidate, or pressure you through social engineering into unwittingly doing what they want. A phishing email may tell you (falsely) that there’s something wrong with your credit card account. It will direct you to click a link, which takes you to a phony website built to resemble your credit card company. The scammers stand by with bated breath, hoping the ruse is working and that you’ll now enter your password. Once you do, they have it.
Phishing scams can try to ensnare you through phone calls too. Be leery of any robocall you get claiming to be about your credit card account. Notice the recorded greeting doesn’t specify which credit card it’s calling about. It’s a sort of test to see if you hang up right away or if they’ve got you “hooked.” If you stay on the line, you will be connected to a real person who will do what they can to wheedle as much sensitive data out of you as possible, including your passwords.
Follow These Simple Password Rules
ALWAYS Use Different Passwords for Different Accounts
It can be tempting to use the same password for every account, so we don’t forget our passwords. However, this makes it easier for hackers to break into a multitude of accounts. Diversify your passwords by using a different password for every account.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication can help keep accounts and data safe from hackers. This highly effective safety precaution measure requires you to input a PIN that gets sent to you via an email, SMS or app. Consequently, two-factor authentication protects from stolen passwords and prevents an external person from accessing systems and accounts.
Use a Password Manager
More and more businesses and professionals are using password managers as a means of practicing high levels of security and to help keep their sanity. With password managers, you only need to remember one password, as the password manager stores and even create passwords for your different accounts, automatically signing you in when you log on. There are several free ones online.
Create A Strong Password
Strong passwords make it significantly more difficult for hackers to crack and break into systems. Strong passwords are considered over 8 characters in length and comprise of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Don’t Change Them So Dang Often
Don’t change passwords too often. Passwords are hard. They should be! But it’s better to go through the trouble of making one good one, and sticking with it, then to expect to be able to turn over that many special characters more often than you do the pages on a wall calendar.
Avoid Bunching Numbers and Symbols Together
One good password practice that often goes overlooked it to spread numbers and symbols throughout the password instead of bunching them together, which makes it easier for the password to be hacked.
Steer Clear from the Obvious
Having an ‘obvious’ password, such as 12345 or password1, makes it easy for hackers to compromise. Instead, come up with unique passwords that steer clear of personal information, like your date of birth or child’s name.
Test Your Password
Ensure your password is strong by putting it through an online testing tool. Microsoft’s Safety & Security Center has a password testing tool to help businesses and individuals come up with passwords that are less likely to be hacked.
Refrain from Using Dictionary Words
Sophisticated hackers have programs that search through tens of thousands of dictionary words. Help prevent your business from being the victim of a dictionary attack program by avoiding using dictionary words. Instead, opt for random passwords.
PLEASE SHARE THIS with your friends and family and if you have older relatives or neighbors consider assisting them with this.
Thank you,
The Warrior Family
