Safe on the Web: The 10 Golden Rules of Password Security

We guide you through the 10 most important rules of modern cybersecurity. Learn why length is more important than complexity, how to use a password manager efficiently, and why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is your strongest ally in the fight against identity theft. Put an end to insecurity and take full control of your digital security. It's easier than you think.

For a long time, we were taught that a secure password must contain special characters, numbers, and uppercase letters. That's true, but the decisive factor for security against brute-force attacks is length. A password of 12 seemingly random characters is harder to crack than a short one with many special characters.

Use passphrases: combine four or more random words (e.g., 'sun-coffee-blue-house'). Such passwords are easy for humans to remember but extremely hard for computers to guess. Our password generator at SavePaper.work is designed to create exactly these high-security combinations. Remember: the longer the password, the exponentially higher the effort for an attacker. 16 characters should be the standard for important accounts today.

This is the most common mistake: using the same password for multiple accounts. If a service is hacked (a so-called data breach), hackers immediately try these login data on hundreds of other platforms. If you use the same password everywhere, attackers have access to your entire digital life in one blow.

Every account needs an absolutely unique password. That sounds exhausting? This is exactly where password managers come into play. These tools remember all your login data so you only have to remember a single, very strong 'master password'. There is no excuse for password repetition anymore. Every account deserves its own protection.

Even the best password can be stolen (e.g., through phishing). This is where multi-factor authentication saves your neck. MFA means that you need a second confirmation besides the password – usually a code on your cell phone or a physical security key.

Activate MFA everywhere it is offered, especially for email accounts, banking, and social networks. Even if a hacker knows your password, they can't get into your account without the second factor. It is the most effective measure of modern cybersecurity. Use authenticator apps (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of insecure SMS codes to ensure maximum security.

Hackers often don't have to crack your password at all – they simply ask for it. Phishing emails look deceptively real today and prompt you to log into your bank or Amazon. Never click on links in such emails.

Always check the sender address and, if in doubt, go directly via the browser to the provider's website. A reputable company will never ask you for your password via email. Also be careful with attachments. An infected document can install malware that reads your keystrokes (keylogger). Education and healthy mistrust are your best defense lines on the net. Digital archiving at SavePaper.work helps you distinguish official documents from fraud attempts.

Security is not a one-time state but a process. Regularly check sites like 'Have I Been Pwned' to see if your email address has appeared in a known data breach. If so, immediately change the affected password.

Here are our top 5 tips for everyday life:

1. Install Updates: keep browser and operating system always up to date.
2. Avoid Public WLAN: use VPNs for sensitive transactions on the go.
3. Protect Master Password: never write down your master password.
4. Check Account Activities: pay attention to unusual logins.
5. Delete Old Accounts: what you no longer need should go.
   
   Cybersecurity starts in the head. With a little attention and the right tools, you are best protected.