How to keep your passwords secure

RDO Servers · Jun 13, 2015

Countless websites are hacked every single day!
No computer system, connected to the internet, is secure and "hacker proof"!
Hackers don't just target big companies. Even a small blog is at risk for hacking attempts!

So what do you do? :think:

After you make sure that you are using a quality hosting provider, and that your website is up to date with the latest patches/plugins, you need to make sure you are using strong passwords.

The most common cause of a website getting "hacked", is a result of weak passwords. I know, having to remember a bunch of different passwords is quite a pain. Trying to memorize a complex password like "ar-[0-f*-)7-" is almost impossible. However, the fact remains, that strong passwords decrease the risk of your website being compromised.

Many hackers use a automated bot to deploy a "dictionary attack" on a website. The bot will go through a dictionary of words and previously stolen passwords to try all of the possibilities. Most of them will also add numbers or special characters to the end of the words, like many people to do. If it comes across your password, then their in and will have full access to your website or hosting account.

When you use a random password generator, it will give you a stronger password, with random characters, which is much more secure and much harder for a hacker to break with a dictionary attack.

Where do you find a good password generator? Right here on Webmaster Sun!

Try out our very own password generator today, and easily increase your own account security!

dcb1101 · Jun 13, 2015

cool
I didnt even know WMS had a tools section

lawrencegordon · Jun 14, 2015

Keep your password long as possible, using a special character and a capitalize in your password to make it secure.

I always use this way for my passwords.

ypson · Sep 8, 2015

When a password generator is not an option, I suggest using fillers, for example instead of password use ---password-- and let your creativity go from there. Always use an uneven number of fillers, symmetry might look good but doesn't help. Each character, be it a filler, exponentially increases the time needed for breaking it by brute force.

smallbudgethosting · Sep 16, 2015

with cpanel you have the option of generating upto 18 characters for your passwords, I use keepass password safe for my passwords. I find it works because many sites I use a random password.

where two factor authentication is available, I use it to secure my accounts, such as gmail.

professorrosado · Sep 18, 2015

Securing your password sounds good but in the end will not protect your site once compromised. The best way to "secure" your site is to use the methods stated above in generating passwords but do not stay with that password for long - change your password on a regular basis as this will stop any compromised access and drive the hacker back to square one!

If you have a membership site or you allow registrations, then set a regular schedule to check your database for admin roles assigned to non-admins.

I also had my hosting company restrict cPanel access to my IP only (if you have static). If you use WP, you can do the same for dashboard and admin access.

Also change cPanel passwords on regular basis!

gerald88 · Nov 28, 2015

I use lastpass to manage my passwords. They generate strong passwords. To login to lastpass you need to fill in a authentication code from your mobile phone. When you signup to lastpass you connect your phone to your lastpass account.

So you can generate secure passwords and you don't forget them because it will be managed by lastpass.

professorrosado · Nov 30, 2015

Well, @ulterios, your hosting company can always go into your database and reset the password for you.

But, if you have a very good security software on your computer that is always updating itself with the latest exploit defenses, browser hacks, et al. Then at minimum, all you need to worry about is changing passwords to both cPanel and each website every 30 days (max). I would even go to bi-weekly or weekly if your site is getting targeted.

Also make sure you use other on-site defenses and tweak them - don't install a security plugin and leave it to fend for itself. I am on all of my websites daily checking for hacking attempts and quickly blocking entire router addresses FOR EVER! ;p

clickcloudit · Dec 4, 2015

I have like an excel sheet to keep the handy but use mostly random passwords.

hmb-robert · Feb 4, 2016

You can simply follow the rules to keep your password more safe

1. Don't make it easy
2. Numbers + Letters = Safer
3. Make it long.
4. If you write it down it can be found.
5. Change it up.
6. Be unique.
7. Use special characters
8. Don't use any words
9. Watch your letters.
10. Using an online password generator is not as safe as it seems.

Allchat · Feb 8, 2016

I make a great deal of use out of the "dashlane" browser plugin and desktop app..

Only two that have your passwords are you and the app.

Ron Killian · Feb 9, 2016

Even though this was an old thread...

One thing I do is keep all my passwords on a removable usb drive. And it's ONLY plug in when I need a pass. Actually I bought a set of two, one as a back up. The drives have password protection as well, just having set that up.

I am with RDO, any program/app/service that has your sensitive data is a potential breach. Some of the biggest sites on the net have been hacked the last couple years.

Shahzadqayyum · Apr 18, 2016

Use space bar in your Passwords

also do not forget to enable 2 factor authentication if that specific site provide you this facility. Do not use same passwords for your email and other forums.

How to keep your passwords secure

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