Securing The Spoils Of Your Raid: The Viking Guide to Password Hygiene

Hello, my brave Viking internet warriors! In the age of cyber raiders and digital longships, securing your fortresses and treasures demands more than mere brute strength; it requires cunning and wisdom. Today, we venture into the realm of password hygiene, a vital skill for any modern Viking seeking to protect their digital realms from nefarious foes. So grab your shields and ready your oars, as we delve into the art of crafting impregnable passwords, managing them with the dexterity of a seasoned skald, and fortifying our defenses with the magic of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

The Weaknesses of a Poorly Forged Password

Just as a poorly forged sword can betray a warrior in battle, a weak password can be the downfall of your cyber defenses. Here are the common flaws in password creation that can turn your digital gates into mere decorative tapestries:

1. Common Words and Phrases: Passwords like 'password', '123456', or 'qwerty' are akin to guarding your hall with a sleeping giant who may never wake. These are the first combinations a cyber raider will attempt.

2. Personal Information: Using easily accessible information such as your name, birthdate, or even your favorite mead hall can lead to swift breaches. This is the digital equivalent of an enemy knowing exactly where to strike your shield.

3. Short Length: A short password is like a short sword in a spear fight—outranged and outmatched. The shorter the password, the easier it is for plunderers to crack it using brute force.

4. Lack of Complexity: A password without a mix of cases, numbers, and symbols is like a wall without palisades. It lacks the necessary barriers to make an invader’s attempt arduous.

5. Reused Passwords: Reusing passwords across various sites is like using the same weak spot in every battle. Once one is compromised, all are at risk.

Crafting the Unbreakable Password

Creating a strong password is like forging a mighty axe—both require skill and attention to detail. Here are best practices to ensure your password can defend against even the most determined invaders:

1. Length and Complexity: Aim for at least 12-16 characters or more, mixed with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Think of this as crafting a weapon with many different attack points. However, in the end length will be the most important characteristic to this mighty weapon and will force the enemy to make a longer effort to break through it, if they ever do!

2. Unpredictability: Use non-sensical phrases or combinations of words that are not related. A phrase like "BlueFjord$Giant2Wander!" uses complexity and unpredictability to your advantage.

3. Avoid Common Substitutions: Passwords with predictable substitutions (like 'pa$$word') offer little protection. They are quickly unravelled by seasoned foes.

4. Use a Passphrase: A series of random words (like "thunder cloud feast shield") can be easier to remember and just as secure, especially with some added numbers and symbols.

5. The best weapon for a Viking to take to battel though, is the weapon of random! So how does a Viking create a long and complex random password that they can remember? Well they don't but the answer lies with the magic of the The Seer, or in our case a Password Manager!

The Magic of Password Managers

Just as a wise Viking keeps their runes safe, so should you keep your passwords. A password manager acts as your encrypted digital rune pouch, storing various passwords in one secure location. Here’s how to set one up:

1. Choosing a Password Manager: Select a reputable tool with strong user reviews and a history of security—this will be the keeper of your runes.

2. Master Password: Create a strong master password that is both memorable and secure. This is the key to your rune pouch, so it must be unguessable.

3. Store and Generate Passwords: Use your manager to generate and store passwords for all your accounts. Each password should be unique and complex.

4. Ease of access: Having a password manager with a browser extension to help you to easily generate your random password and securely store them in your rune pouch for future use. For further steps on setting up a password manager please watch my video here.

Fortifying with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

To further enhance your defenses, implement Multi-Factor Authentication. MFA adds additional layers of security, making it much harder for raiders to breach your digital fortress even if they possess one of your passwords.

1. Turn on MFA: In the app or site that you are working with, go the the settings section. Usually the MFA settings will be found under Security and Privacy. Once MFA is enable follow the on screen instructions with those below.

2. Setup MFA: Choose an MFA method such as a mobile app (like Google Authenticator), a physical security key, or SMS codes, though the latter is less secure than other methods.

3. Activate for Sensitive Accounts: Prioritize your most sensitive accounts like email, banking, and social media. This is akin to double-locking the gates of your treasure room. For a step-by-step example please watch my video here.

Conclusion

Just as the Norsemen of old used their wits, courage, and strength to carve their place in history, so must we use smart password practices, password managers, and MFA to secure our digital presence. Remember, in the cyber realm, your password is your weapon and your wit, your greatest shield. Manage them well, and you shall enjoy the spoils of security and peace of mind in our digital age. Skål!