Sending Passwords: Why Emailing Them Isn’t Secure
In today’s digital landscape, protecting our online security is of utmost importance. Occasionally you need to share passwords with a service provider. This could be your web designer, VA, digital marketing company, IT contractor, funnel hacker, accountant etc etc. What is the best practice for getting this sensitive information over to your provider without compromising your security.
Let’s dive into why emailing passwords is a risky practice and explore safer alternatives that ensure the safeguarding of our digital identities. So, buckle up and let’s get started!
Password Protection
Think of passwords as the keys to your online kingdom. They grant access to personal information, sensitive data, and valuable digital assets. Therefore, keeping them safe and secure is essential for your online well-being. It’s like building a fortress around your virtual world!
The Perils of Email
Imagine sending your passwords via email. It’s like scribbling them on a postcard and dropping them in the mailbox for everyone to see. Emails can be intercepted, hacked, or even accidentally forwarded to unintended recipients. It’s a dangerous game to play with your sensitive information. If we need access to your website or hosting, please do not email your password to us.
A Safer Alternative – Password Managers
Enter password management tools, the superheroes of online security! These nifty tools offer a safe haven for your passwords. They encrypt and store your passwords in a virtual vault, protecting them from prying eyes. The best part? You can easily share access with your virtual assistant (VA), website designer, or anyone else without compromising security. It’s a win-win situation!
The No-No List
Let’s take a moment to review some common password practices to avoid:
- Don’t email passwords: It’s like rolling out a red carpet for potential security breaches.
- Don’t use obvious passwords: Steer clear of “123456” or “password” as they’re easy targets for hackers.
- Don’t reuse passwords: Using the same password across multiple accounts puts all your digital assets at risk.
- Don’t rely on sticky notes: Sharing passwords on physical notes is like leaving your front door wide open.
The Golden Rule – Strong and Unique Passwords
When it comes to passwords, the golden rule is to create strong, unique passwords for each account. Incorporate a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make them harder to crack. Consider using a password manager to keep track of all your complex passwords securely. With this approach, you’ll fortify your digital defences like a true online superhero!
Make Use of WordPress User Roles
WordPress allows you to create unlimited users, each with a unique password so you don’t need to share your login details with any service provider. Basically, WordPress offers different user roles, such as administrators, editors, authors, and subscribers, each with varying levels of access and capabilities. Assigning specific roles to different users ensures that only authorised individuals can perform specific actions on your site. You could set up individual user accounts, each with their own password, for your VA, another for your website designer, another for your copywriter for example. By leveraging WordPress roles with unique passwords, you can avoid sending your own password to others and maintain better control over your website’s security.
In a world where cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, it’s crucial to be proactive in protecting our digital identities. Avoid the risky practice of emailing passwords and embrace safer alternatives, such as password management tools. By following best practices like using strong and unique passwords, we can fortify our online security and navigate the digital realm with confidence.
Remember, your online fortress deserves the utmost protection, and it all starts with keeping your passwords safe and sound!
If you need advice on how to send your password to us, contact us today.
