--- title: "Cybersecurity 101: Simple and Effective Password Tips" description: Cybercriminals use several methods to hack passwords, such as programs that record keystrokes, social engineering, and password dictionary databases. image: https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-1271106565.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.haigroup.com/cybersecurity-concerns-try-these-simple-and-effective-password-tips#main-content) [![hai-logo-KO-256px](https://blog.haigroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/hai-logo-KO-256px.png?width=256&height=57&name=hai-logo-KO-256px.png "hai-logo-KO-256px")](https://www.haigroup.com/) - SEARCH - [Cybersecurity](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/cybersecurity), - [Risk Management](https://blog.haigroup.com/tag/risk-management) # Cybersecurity 101: Simple and Effective Password Tips ![](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-1271106565.jpg) - August 7, 2024 ![HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/hubfs/HAI%20Group%20Logo/Pinwheel_blue.jpg) [HAI Group](https://blog.haigroup.com/author/hai-group) [\< Back to Resource Center](https://blog.haigroup.com) We tend to fancy our passwords as undecipherable, but the data clearly shows otherwise: 60% of the breaches analyzed in [Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigation Report](https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/2021-dbir-executive-brief.pdfx) leveraged weak or stolen passwords. Cybercriminals aren’t just guessing our passwords; they’re making well-informed guesses. They can use several[methods and tools to hack passwords](https://www.secplicity.org/2021/05/04/2021-world-password-day-how-many-will-be-stolen-this-year/), such as programs that record keystrokes, social engineering (e.g., phishing), and password dictionary databases with lists of the most commonly used password phrases. One of the most effective ways to prevent password-related cybercrime is[multi-factor authentication](https://www.housingcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Multi_Factor_Identification_pdf_UFVj9pTe.pdf) (MFA). This security enhancement requires two credentials (or more) when logging in to an account. An example of MFA would be entering a password on your computer, then entering a different passcode on a mobile app to produce a randomly generated PIN required to finish the login process. With MFA in place, even if your password is hacked, chances are cybercriminals won’t be able to breach your data. Whether you use MFA or not, you should never take password strength lightly. “Using long and complex passwords is one of the easiest ways to defend yourself from cybercrime,” according to the[U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).](https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/NCSAM_CreatingPasswords_2020.pdf) Follow these simple tips from CISA to help strengthen your passwords: ## Don't get personal It’s tempting to use personal information, like a pet’s name, to create a password that you can remember. But that also makes it easier to guess. In the age of social media, personal information isn’t hard to come by. ## Be creative Avoid using familiar words in your passwords. Substitute letters with numbers and punctuation marks or symbols. Use phonetic replacements, such as “PH” instead of “F.” Or make deliberate but obvious misspellings, such as “enjin” instead of “engine.” ## Don’t tell Keep your passwords to yourself. Watch out for hackers trying to trick you into revealing your passwords through phishing emails or calls. ## Be original Avoid using the same password for every account. Mix things up to mitigate risk. The most secure way to store all of your unique passwords is by using a password manager. With just one master password, a computer can generate and retrieve passwords for every account you have. Visit our [Cybersecurity Resources page](https://www.housingcenter.com/cybersecurity-resources/) for more tips and free resources.  Contact our Risk Control and Consulting team for more resources and answers to your housing organization’s risk-related questions. 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You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.*  *HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).* The information presented is for general reference only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your legal, professional or subject matter advisor before implementing any new strategy or policy. HAI Group® is the registered trademark of Housing Authority Risk Retention Group, Inc. and its related companies. For a complete list of HAI Group companies, visit www.haigroup.com. Products or services may not be available in all jurisdictions. Certain property and casualty coverage may be provided by a risk retention group or a surplus lines insurer or by a third party. Risk retention groups and surplus lines insurers do not participate in state guaranty funds and their insureds are not protected by such funds. 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