The need for strong and unique passwords

Following hot on the heels of the recent Heartbleed vulnerability, is this week’s announcement by e-commerce giant eBay that their database has been compromised. By the sounds of it, private information like usernames, email addresses and passwords were stolen.

If you have used eBay before, you should head their request to change your password immediately: http://www.ebayinc.com/in_the_news/story/ebay-inc-ask-ebay-users-change-passwords. That is only be the first step; also look at other online accounts you have that use the same login details.

Whether we use eBay or not, we live in times where we need to be diligent about security and protection of sensitive information. If you use the same password for multiple logins, you are bound run into trouble in the future. For example, if you use your email address and mailbox password for your eBay login, then those hackers now have the keys to your mailbox. The same also applies to other web services: using the same login credentials will land you in trouble if there is a data breach somewhere. The bottom line: use strong passwords and use a different password for each service.

If you and others in your organisation have already taken steps to use unique and strong passwords, then well done. If not, now is the perfect time to start! It may be a bit painful to get your passwords in order, but do not delay. If you need assistance with this, do not hesitate to contact us.