New Year, New Passwords

New Year, New Passwords: A Guide to Keeping Your Online Accounts Secure

The new year is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh more than your goals and resolutions. Your online security deserves a fresh start too, and resetting your passwords is an excellent step toward a safer digital experience. At MidSouth Fiber, we prioritize your online safety and want to ensure you’re equipped with the tools to protect your accounts.

Why Reset Your Passwords?

Cybersecurity experts recommend updating your passwords regularly to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. Over time, passwords can be compromised through data breaches, phishing attacks or weak password practices. By resetting your passwords now, you can:

• Protect Your Personal Information: Safeguard sensitive data like financial details, personal photos and private conversations.
• Prevent Unauthorized Access: Block hackers from exploiting old or weak passwords.
• Start the Year Secure: Set a foundation for better online habits moving forward.

How to Create a Strong Password

Not all passwords are created equal. To maximize security, follow these tips when creating your new passwords:

• Use a Mix of Characters: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Make It Long: Aim for at least 8-12 characters.
• Avoid Common Words: Skip easy-to-guess words like “password,” “123456” or your name.
• Be Unique: Use different passwords for each account to prevent a breach in one account from compromising others.

Steps to Reset Your Passwords

Here’s a quick guide to updating your passwords across your accounts:

1. Make a List of Accounts: Identify key accounts to update, such as your email, banking and social media platforms.
2. Log In and Locate Settings: Navigate to the security settings of each account.
3. Choose a New Password: Follow the tips above to create a strong and unique password.
4. Update Your Records: Save your new passwords in a secure location or password manager.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of protection by activating 2FA wherever available.

We’re dedicated to providing not just fast and reliable internet, but also resources to help you stay secure online.

Resetting your passwords is a small step that makes a big difference in your online security. As you embrace the new year, take a moment to prioritize your digital safety. With MidSouth Fiber’s free Protect IQ and these password tips, you’ll be ready for a secure and successful year ahead.