Did you know that keeping your online accounts up to date is essential for today's strict security measures and being able to restore those accounts if needed? I see it all the time - people find themselves locked out of their email, Facebook, Amazon, online banking and more due to forgotten passwords and/or outdated information. The problem is, if you have old, incorrect information listed in an account, the company won't be able to verify your identity to help you in case of a forgotten or incorrect password. Don't let this happen to you! Here are a few tips.
1. Use a Password Manager
A password manager securely stores and auto-fills your login credentials. Instead of remembering dozens of passwords, you only need to remember one master password. Some popular password managers include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden. These tools generate strong passwords and help prevent security breaches. You can also store notes, such as PIN numbers and security questions and answers that you set up when you registered. I can help you with this.
2. Create Strong, Unique Passwords
Please, please, please avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. I know it's easy. Each password should be complex, containing a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. It's annoying, I know, but that's the point of password managers. If you really don't want to use one, make sure you write down every detail of every online account you've ever signed up for. If your password is hacked and you use the same one for everything, now all of your accounts are accessible. And if something changes within that account, update the info in your records right away! This is essential!
3. Enable Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a text message or email with a code. This makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts, which is great, but also makes it harder for you to gain access. If your account info has changed over the years but you've never updated it, you will have a very difficult time getting in and very possibly will not be able to.
4. SO IMPORTANT: Regularly Update Your Account Information
Ensure your email address and phone number are current in all your accounts. Then check your address and payment info that's on file. This is crucial for account recovery in case you forget a password or need to verify your identity. Check all of your accounts—such as email, banking, and social media— and update promptly. You can jot down a list of all your online accounts and start checking.
5. Equally Important: Review and Clean Up Old Accounts
Many people have old accounts that they no longer use. Periodically review your online presence and delete any accounts that are no longer necessary. Don't just delete or erase your login information, sign into the account and officially close it. Dormant accounts are prone to become security risks. This is also how you may wind up with multiple accounts for the same site (does this sound like you?)
Staying organized with your passwords and keeping your online accounts up to date will save you time and frustration in the long run. I can't stress the importance of this enough. It's time to get organized and keep track of your digital life. Need help with this process? I'm here!
Tara Grey
862-368-4893