Tag: passwords

Residential Proxy Authentication Methods

Residential proxies continue to grow in popularity among businesses, researchers, and developers who want to conceal their geographic locations, harvest geographical content digitally, and collect data from websites without detection. However, using a residential proxy involves more than simply utilizing an IP address that conceals your true IP address.

Most importantly, authentication ensures that only authorized users have access to proxy networks. Misconfigured authentication may result in exposure of login credentials, blocked IP addresses, or use of your proxy by unauthorized parties. In this article, we discuss several major methods of authenticating residential proxies, compare the various approaches, and provide guidance on best practices for implementing them.

Why Authentication Matters

Many times, shared or rented infrastructure underpins residential proxies. Without stringent authentication systems:

 

➔ Unapproved users may access the proxy pool, which might result in abuse or exploitation, including spam, scraping, and suspect traffic.

 

➔ Credentials might expose your proxy identity to other people, thereby risking blocks or banishment.

 

➔ Overuse or abuse of intellectual properties can harm their reputation and lower the success rates for all consumers.

 

Appropriate authentication guarantees only authorized clients’ access, thereby preserving IP integrity and steady, dependable performance for genuine users.

The Main Methods at a Glance

Most modern residential proxy providers support two primary authentication methods:

 

➔ Username/Password Authentication

➔ IP Allowlisting (also called IP Whitelisting or IP Authorization)

 

These methods differ in flexibility, security, and suitability depending on your working environment.

Username/Password Authentication

Basically, what this means is that you have to enter your credentials every time you connect using the proxy. When connecting to an HTTP(S) Proxy, HTTP Basic Authentication is typically sent over the HTTP headers every time you connect to the proxy. Authentication for SOCKS5 proxy occurs as part of the initial connection setup, known as the handshake.

 

A common format looks like:

http://username:password@proxy.host:port

Pros And Cons

Pros:

➔ Works from any network or dynamic IP.

➔ Easy to integrate into scripts, applications, and browsers.

Cons:

➔ Credentials must be stored securely.

➔ Logs, URLs, or debugging tools can expose usernames or passwords if not handled properly.

IP Allowlisting

IP allowlisting allows your authentication through verification of the public IP address that was created when you set up your proxy. As long as all requests are coming from an Approved IP address, authentication occurs automatically without the need for a username/password.

To create this approval, simply log into your proxy provider and add your home/office/server’s IP address. Once this is completed, any request from the Approved IP will be recognized by the provider as legitimate.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

➔ No credentials to control or leak

➔ Requests are cleaner because no authentication headers are required.

➔ Ideal for static IP settings that are stable.

Cons:

➔ Not ideal for mobile, hotel, or dynamic IPs.

➔ Any modification to your IP requires you to refresh the allowlist so as to connect.

Choosing the Right Method

Your work processes and the network environment in which you work will dictate the most effective authentication method. If you work in a location that does not change (a home server, an office network, or hosting in a data center) and use static IP addresses, then IP allowlisting is a very simple and secure way to authenticate users.

However, if you are constantly on different networks or are traveling or using a dynamic IP address, then using a combination of username/password is a much more flexible way to authenticate users. How you will determine which one of these methods is best for your system will depend on:

 

➔ Your network’s reliability

➔ How you use your system

➔ How much risk are you willing to take on

 

In addition to that, some providers allow you to switch between auth types as your project grows. To decide which authentication method suits your setup best, it’s ideal to contact a reliable and trusted service provider. If you are not familiar with a service provider, you can start by visiting here.

Implementation Snippets

Here are a few simple examples illustrating how both authentication methods work in practice.

Username/Password (HTTP Proxy via cURL):

curl -x http://username:password@proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

IP Allowlisted Proxy (No Credentials Needed):

curl -x http://proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

SOCKS5 With Username/Password:

curl –socks5 username:password@proxy.host:port https://api.ipify.org

SOCKS5 With IP Allowlisting:

curl –socks5 proxy.host: port https://api.ipify.org

 Always verify your configuration by querying an IP-check service. If the response matches the proxy’s IP, your authentication is properly configured and working.

Conclusion

To maintain both security and reliability, residential proxies must support authentication. Depending on the configuration of your network, your decision on which type of authentication to use (username/password or IP allowlisting) will depend solely on your specifications. Once configured correctly, residential proxies will operate securely and with maximum efficiency.

 

 

Your Privacy, Secured: How Galaxy AI Protects Privacy with Samsung Knox Vault

Galaxy AI is built to understand what you need before you even ask whether that’s suggesting a change in your routine or pulling up just the right information at the right time.

This level of personalisation can be incredibly helpful, but the more your phone knows, the more there is to protect. So, what’s keeping all that personal data secure?

Samsung believes there is no privacy without strong security. That’s why every Galaxy device is protected from the chip up by a multi-layered approach, which includes on-device personalisation, user-controlled cloud processing, and ecosystem-wide protection through Samsung Knox Matrix.

At the core of this system is Samsung Knox Vault, the company’s hardware-based solution for safeguarding your most sensitive information.

Secured at the Hardware Level

Most mobile devices rely solely on software to protect sensitive data. Galaxy devices go further.

Knox Vault is a hardware-level security solution that creates a physical barrier between your most private information and everything else. It works like a locked room inside your phone, with its own processor and memory to encrypt sensitive data, with Knox Vault securing the keys. It pairs a secure processor with dedicated memory, isolating your passwords, PINs, biometrics, as well as financial information and cryptographic keys. These are the kinds of details you don’t want anyone else to access, and Knox Vault is built to make sure they stay private. You don’t need to activate or manage it, as it’s always on, working silently in the background, keeping your data safe while you get on with your day.

This is particularly crucial in the age of AI as user concerns are expanding from traditional cybersecurity threats, like viruses and malware, to worries over leaking personal data, such as conversations with your AI assistant. As AI becomes part of more everyday tasks, the types of data that need protection are also expanding.

For example, metadata from your most personal photos not only details the resolution and file format but also shows the exact location where the image was taken. This personal metadata is more than just files — it’s information that is deeply connected to your daily life, and in the era of AI, these types of data used to provide personalised suggestions need to be kept private.

Knox Vault helps mitigate these growing concerns by safely storing personal information in a secure, hardware-isolated environment designed to block both physical tampering and remote attacks, ensuring your data can’t be accessed without approval.

Personalised AI, Protected at the Core

Knox Vault not only provides protection for today’s threats, but it also ensures your privacy as mobile experiences continue to evolve.

As Galaxy AI becomes more useful, it also becomes more personal, learning how you use your device and adapting to your needs. These highly tailored AI experiences rely on deeply personal data; Knox Vault plays a crucial role in keeping that information private and secured.

Galaxy AI ensures privacy by processing tasks directly on-device where possible, keeping data in your hands and off online servers. For example, Audio Eraser, removes background noise from videos or voice recordings without the need for any cloud-based processing — so your personal information stays private. Call Transcript[2] operates in the same way, keeping your calls organised while ensuring personal conversations stay private by remaining on-device.

Knox Vault ensures your data is protected, confidential, and secure. Building on its role in Galaxy AI as the trusted foundation for security and privacy, Knox Vault will expand across Samsung’s growing AI ecosystem as AI becomes more deeply integrated into the user experience.

Knox Vault is more than a security feature, it’s Galaxy’s promise that no matter how advanced your devices become, or how much AI evolves, your privacy is secured.

To find out more about Galaxy AI and Knox Vault, please visit: Samsung.com/ie

7 Simple Ways To Stay Safe When Gaming Online

Gaming has evolved into more than just a way to pass the time. It is how people relax, connect, and even compete in competitive online tournaments. The thrill of online gaming can quickly fade when safety is not given the attention it deserves.

From identity theft to scams and shady downloads, the risks are real. One lesser-known issue that has become increasingly common involves players being caught out on platforms that promise rewards but require excessive personal information. 

1. Avoid Unofficial Game Downloads

Some of the best protection starts with knowing where and how to play responsibly. iGaming analyst Caroline points out that no verification casinos appeal to many users, not only for ease of access but also for their emphasis on privacy. By removing the need to upload personal documents, these platforms reduce the risk of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands. Built on decentralised systems and often operating with cryptocurrency, they offer a layer of anonymity that many players appreciate.

Beyond privacy, the benefits include quicker sign-ups, faster withdrawals, and generous bonuses such as welcome rewards, cashback, and free spins. These casinos remain licensed and regulated, giving players the freedom to enjoy thousands of games without compromising on trust or security.

By sticking to official sources and trusted platforms, players can enjoy the best that online gaming has to offer. This approach supports a safer, more reliable experience every time you pick up a controller, try a new platform, or join a server. Unofficial downloads, especially mods or game files from unverified sources, may seem tempting, but they often come with hidden malware or spyware that can disrupt both gameplay and privacy. Staying with legitimate distribution platforms remains the smartest move.

2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Using the same password on several gaming platforms can compromise the security of several accounts. Attackers can attempt to reuse the same information if one account is compromised. Strong, one-of-a-kind passwords are important.

A simple password manager can assist users when creating and safely storing complex password combinations, eliminating the need to remember them all. Users can keep their accounts secure while monitoring for any suspicious logins or devices and changing your credentials as soon as something seems suspicious.

3. Safeguard Your Data

Joining new platforms, creating profiles, and interacting with other players during live sessions are all common aspects of gaming. Although they may appear innocuous, information such as your pet’s name, birthday, or even the school you attended might be used to guess passwords or solve security questions.

The risk increases when users use identical login details across multiple accounts. Take into account all of the information you are sharing when creating a profile. Choose a moniker that doesn’t include your name, and avoid sharing intimate photos online. Consider the consequences of making that information public and ask why a platform is asking for more information than appears necessary. 

4. Beware of Phishing Scams

Scams targeting gamers have become more sophisticated. These scams may seem as emails saying you have won something or messages posing as support representatives requesting that you confirm your account. These phishing attempts often look very real.

Always check the email address or message source. The majority of official communications originate from domain-verified sources. Never use a URL you do not completely trust to enter your password or personal information.

5. Secure Your Devices

To play games safely, you must keep your device protected. Use reliable antivirus software and ensure it is up to date to safeguard against threats that frequently infiltrate through antiquated systems. Safety problems can be fixed before becoming vulnerable by activating automatic updates for your computer’s operating system and antivirus program.

It is also worthwhile to utilise the integrated privacy features. Firewalls and parental controls help limit unwanted contact and restrict risky content, especially on shared systems. Pay attention to third-party programs, such as Discord, and frequently check permissions. Additional safeguards can stop future issues before they arise.

6. Only Use Reputable Servers and Communities

Multiplayer games rely on fan-run communities or user-hosted servers; some are designed, but others lack the framework to fully protect players. Reputable servers typically have moderators who are actively involved, enforce rules, and communicate their code of conduct. In addition to having reporting options for users to flag issues, these places are made to limit toxic behaviour, cheating, and fraud.

If a server seems random, uses foul language, or allows users to act anyway they want without repercussions, it’s advisable to leave right away. Platforms that promote player safety should always be the first option. 

7. Stay Up to Date

Patching and updates might seem annoying, especially when they interrupt a session, but they serve an important purpose. Developers release them to fix bugs, improve performance, and close security gaps. Ignoring updates can leave your system exposed to known threats. Check for updates regularly and install them when available, including for your games, operating system, antivirus, and any chat or launcher tools. Gaming safety doesn’t have to be difficult, and with a few simple habits, you can protect your information, devices, and overall experience.

 

Don’t Roll The Dice On Security: Protecting Yourself While Betting Online

The allure of winning big in online betting can be irresistible. However, amidst the excitement of chasing jackpots and placing wagers, it’s easy to overlook the critical aspect of security. The landscape of online betting is expanding rapidly, but so are its associated risks. From scams and phishing attempts to identity theft, the digital realm of online betting poses significant threats to your personal and financial information. This article will examine online betting security, providing valuable insights on protecting yourself while enjoying your favourite games.

Understanding Online Betting Security

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of security measures, let’s take a moment to understand the online betting landscape. Online betting has experienced explosive growth recently, with numerous platforms and services catering to enthusiasts worldwide. However, with this growth comes an increasing need for robust security measures to safeguard your personal and financial information.

The Risks You Face And Staying Safe

As you venture into the world of online betting, you must be aware of the potential risks you may encounter. Scammers and cybercriminals always prowl, seeking opportunities to exploit unsuspecting bettors. Phishing attacks, fraudulent websites, and identity theft are just dangers lurking in the shadows.

Selecting trustworthy betting platforms is one of the first steps in ensuring your online security. Look for sites that hold valid licenses and have a strong reputation in the industry. User reviews and recommendations from fellow bettors can also be invaluable when making your choice.

Securing Your Financial Transactions

When it comes to financial transactions on online betting platforms, security is paramount. Using secure payment methods and encrypted connections ensures the safety of your funds and personal details. Consider using an eWallet, like MiFinity eWallet, to enhance your security further.

An eWallet can offer a convenient and secure way to manage online betting transactions. Not only does it provide a safe and encrypted environment for your financial data, but it also facilitates faster transactions. Additionally, many online casinos offer exclusive bonuses, some of which you find at the MiFinity Bonus, and promotions to eWallet users, giving you added value for your bets.

Creating Strong and Secure Passwords

A strong password is your first line of defence against cyber threats. Whilst it might be easy to go for a password that is easy to remember, a general rule of thumb is to avoid using easily guessable passwords. If you struggle, consider using a reliable password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for your betting accounts.

Along with creating a strong password, consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) to your account. This is a powerful tool that can help to enhance the security of your online betting accounts. Simply enabling 2FA means that you ca add an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to access your account.

Betting Safely

Online betting can be an enjoyable and potentially lucrative pastime, but it’s not without risks. Protecting yourself while betting online should be a top priority. Don’t roll the dice on your online security. Take proactive steps today to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting experience. Your winnings should be a reward for your skills and luck, not a windfall for cybercriminals.

62% of consumers still choosing to use repeat passwords despite surge in cybersecurity breaches and education, LastPass research reveals

LastPass has released findings from its fifth annual Psychology of Password findings, which revealed even with cybersecurity education on the rise, password hygiene has not improved. Regardless of generational differences across Boomers, Millennials and Gen Z, the research shows a false sense of password security given current behaviours across the board. In addition, LastPass found that while 65% of all respondents have some form of cybersecurity education – through school, work, social media, books or courses – the reality is that 62% almost always or mostly use the same or variation of a password.

The goal of the LastPass Psychology of Passwords research is to showcase how password management education and use can secure users’ online lives, transforming unpredictable behaviour into real and secure password competence. The survey, which explored the password security behaviours of 3,750 professionals across seven countries, asked about respondents’ mindset and behaviours surrounding their online security. The findings highlighted a clear disconnect between high confidence when it comes to their password management and their unsafe actions. While the majority of professionals surveyed claimed to be confident in their current password management, this doesn’t translate to safer online behaviour and can create a detrimental false sense of safety.

Key findings from the research include:

  • Gen Z is confident when it comes to their password management, while also being the biggest offenders of poor password hygiene. As the generation who has lived most of their lives online, Gen Z (1997 – 2012) believes their password methods to be “very safe”. They are the most likely to create stronger passwords for social media and entertainment accounts, compared to other generations.

However, Gen Z is also more likely to recognise that using the same or similar password for multiple logins is a risk, but they use a variation of a single password 69% of the time, alongside Millennials (1981 –1996) who do this 66% of the time. On the other hand, Gen Z is the generation most likely to use memorisation to keep track of their passwords ( 51%), with Boomers (1946 – 1964) the least likely to memorise their passwords at 38%.

  • Cybersecurity education doesn’t necessarily translate to action. With 65% of those surveyed claiming to have some type of cybersecurity education, the majority (79%) found their education to be effective, whether formal or informal. But of those who received cybersecurity education, only 31% stopped reusing passwords. And only 25% started using a password manager.
  • Confidence creates a false sense of password security. While 89% of respondents acknowledged that using the same password or variation is a risk, only 12% use different passwords for different accounts, and 62% always or mostly use the same password or a variation. To add to that, compared to last year, people are now increasingly using variations of the same password, with 41% in 2022 vs. 36% in 2021.

“Our latest research showcases that even in the face of a pandemic, where we spent more time online amid rising cyberattacks, there continues to be a disconnect for people when it comes to protecting their digital lives,” said Christofer Hoff, Chief Secure Technology Officer for LastPass. “The reality is that even though nearly two-thirds of respondents have some form of cybersecurity education, it is not being put into practice for varying reasons. For both consumers and businesses, a password manager is a simple step to keep your accounts safe and secure.”

For more information and to download the full Psychology of Passwords research findings, please click here.

How to beat the hackers with a strong password

The internet has been around for a long time but, as a nation, we still haven’t nailed the art of setting passwords. In fact, the two most common passwords on the web are ‘123456’ and ‘password’. While they might be easy to remember, they’re also easy to hack. But, fear not as in this article we reveal how you can create a strong password to keep your data protected at all costs. 

Come up with an unusual word

92% of people use the same password across different platforms and sites. This makes it incredibly important to come up with a unique combination of numbers, letters and symbols so that it’s not easily guessed. Why not use the letter O instead of a zero? Or, the number one for the letter I. The more unusual the better and, if they’re grammatically incorrect or not in the dictionary, that’s fine too.

If we take a look at common passwords around the world, it’s clear that many use their first name, last name, date of birth and even social security number. The best passwords are those that don’t mean anything. Instead of being based on factual data and information, and therefore easier to predict if someone knows you, consider using a random password generator. 

Remember, bigger is better 

Hackers will try a few different versions of passwords and multiple methods when trying to hack into an account. There is, of course, what’s known as manual hacking, which is when an attacker will manually type in letters and numbers. Alternatively, there are brute force attacks. This is when a computer automatically runs through letters, numbers, and symbols to guess passwords. 

The longer and more complicated your password, the longer the hacking process takes and the more likely they are to give up. New data has also revealed that three-character passwords can be hacked in less than one second. 

Don’t copy passwords 

We already know that most people reuse passwords, which is another reason why someone’s password may be more easily hacked. When hacks are completed, a list of email addresses and passwords that were compromised are usually leaked. If yours is up there, and you use the same password and email address combination elsewhere, your other accounts may also be at risk. 

For this reason, it’s super important that you not only use inventive passwords for different sites but that you change them regularly. Plus, once you’ve used a certain password, refrain from using it so soon again. 

Keep them protected

Once you do have strong passwords, it’s important to keep them under wraps. Be careful who knows your passwords, be mindful of who can see your passwords being typed in and consider using a password manager to store them on your behalf. 

This will encrypt and hide your passwords in a central location. To access them, you need either a master password, a fingerprint touch or a face recognition entry to ensure that they don’t land in the hands of someone else.

These are just a few ideas for creating strong passwords. There are plenty of other ways you can protect your data. However, if you come up with an unusual phrase, don’t let anyone else know what it is and change it regularly, you’ll be taking those essential steps to combat any password hacking. 

Are You Still Reusing Your Passwords? It’s Time to Drop This Habit, and Here’s Why

Imagine you had a single key for every lock you use. You could lock and unlock your house and gym locker and start your car all with a single key. 

Now imagine that key is stolen and your whole life is available to a stranger. 

Reusing passwords is a dangerous habit a lot of people still have. It’s high time we change that since it brings nothing but trouble!

Having A Master Password Is Far From Good

The reason behind this is simple – once the master password gets compromised, your other accounts are put at risk as well. If that happens and your passwords get into the wrong hands, you’ll be lucky to recover even a portion of your accounts. 

Your password can get compromised via a massive data breach. If this happens while you have the single same password for everything, then chances are your other accounts are going down as well.

Dictionary Attacks Are a Thing

Another reason to reevaluate your password game is dictionary-based password decoding, aka dictionary attacks. With this type of attack, a hacker will try to guess your password by using actual words (from the dictionary). 

That’s why you should avoid using real words in your passwords. The best passwords are the ones that are the most random, like this one: fA38!TP?A}. 

Your Business Accounts Will Be At Risk As Well

Imagine your password gets cracked and the hacker has control over your email account. Is your email connected to your business account? Is it connected to your professional social media profile or your LinkedIn? You see where this is going. 

It is strongly advised to change passwords often, especially for business accounts. You don’t want sensitive info getting out. Some hackers even crack passwords with the intention of breaching business accounts simply because of their higher value. 

So, What Can You Do About It?

The very first thing you can do is change your main email password right now! Use a complex combination of symbols, numbers, and letters. Once that’s taken care of, set up a 2-Factor Authenticator (biometrics are great if you have access to them). 

Now that your main email is secured, try to implement these into your password regimen: 

  • Change passwords every once in a while. 
  • Watch out for phishing. Any email that asks you for your password is suspicious!.
  • Never give your password to anyone. Even if Mark Zuckerberg himself asks you for your Facebook password, you say “no”.

All of this can sound a bit cumbersome, but cybersecurity is no joke. If you find password hygiene difficult, you can resort to a password manager. It’s an app that helps you create and maintain your passwords without the remembering part. 

Protect Your Digital Privacy – Make Better Passwords 

It’s ok to make mistakes. After all, no one taught us in school about password hygiene, right? As long as you use strong and unique passwords and change them every once in a while, you should be good. 

Just remember to diversify your passwords game and never use the same password twice.

THE SECURITY DISCONNECT: Worried Britons Are Still Creatures Of (PASSWORD) Habit

Despite over 27 million Britons admitting they worry about losing money to online fraud, three-quarters (75%) of the nation could be putting their finances and savings at risk by using the same password for their online banking as other online accounts, increasing the risk of bank account fraud. Staggeringly, there are more than 40 billion records of personal information captured from consumers globally, according to cyber security experts, F-Secure.

The new study, which delves into Britons’ password habits, also found that one in 10 people have had their online banking hacked. Yet, in a strange twist of contradiction, almost 80% of people won’t change their passwords even when they’ve been notified that an account has been compromised.

The disconnect between worry and risk has been revealed in the latest research released today, which shows that lax password habits continue to be commonplace. When it comes to password hygiene more broadly, more than a third[1] still use the same password, or variations of it, for several protected accounts and Gen-Z are the worst creatures of habit with 41% keeping to the same password.

Security experts at F-Secure are urging the British public to improve their password habits this World Password Day (5th May) as cyber criminals exploit weak passwords for theft and identity fraud.

Further findings in the research, also revealed that since the pandemic, the number of online accounts Britons now have has almost doubled – going from 18 to 32. This growth is likely to have been accelerated by the pace of digitalisation over the past two years when many analogue services migrated online.

The research also revealed that rather than use a password manager that allows users to store, generate and manage their passwords, 42% of Britons say they simply memorise passwords, whilst a quarter keep a note of them online, on their phone or written down on paper.

Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure comments: “There is a clear disconnect between the worries Britons have about cyber security versus their behaviour and attitudes to password management, likely because it’s perceived to be more convenient to have simple, easy to remember passwords. A fifth of account holders choose passwords that contain personal words or numbers. While this may make passwords easy to remember, choosing convenience over security makes passwords weak and predictable, allowing hackers to crack them in seconds. Reusing the same passwords across multiple services is dangerous even if other security mechanisms such as 2FA are in place. While 2FA adds an important layer of security, it still has its weaknesses.

“Cybercrime is a very serious and realistic threat that can have devastating consequences. There are millions of us openly exposing ourselves to the risk of fraud every day. While 36% are using unique passwords across all of their accounts there is room for improvement. We should all be using unique passwords. Many people don’t realise there are some quick and easy ways to improve password habits to close the security disconnect and mitigate risk. If you make one change this World Password Day, make sure your online banking passwords are completely unique, and use a combination of random letters, numbers and characters.”

To help Britons employ effective security measures, F-Secure’s team of cyber security experts have provided these top tips for password safety:

Avoid using consecutive letters that sit consecutively on a keyboard ‘dfghj’ or ‘qwerty’

Never use slang terms or common misspellings or words spelled backward, these can be accessed using software hackers are familiar with using.

Don’t use names of spouses, children, close relatives, pets or anyone else that feature on your social profiles. They can all be discovered with a little desk research.

Never use ‘123456’ – remember when 32 million passwords were exposed in a breach, almost 1% of victims were using that number sequence.

Set up a password manager to keep your details secure. Password managers encrypt your logins so they can only be accessed when you enter a master password and plain text passwords are never stored on any devices or on the password manager’s servers.

Avoid sharing passwords to accounts like Netflix or Spotify, especially if it is the same password you use for other services.

F-Secure launches free password generator to encourage public to use stronger passwords

Today, cyber security provider F-Secure released a free online tool that helps people create super strong passwords for all their crucial accounts. In just a few seconds, the Strong Password Generator creates new passwords that are strong enough to resist cracking attempts by hackers.

“By now, everyone should have heard that they need strong, unique passwords for their essential online accounts. But every time a site or service is hacked and users’ passwords are released, we see credentials like ‘12345’ or ‘password1’ over and over again,” said F-Secure Executive Vice President of Consumer Security Timo Laaksonen. “This new tool makes creating strong, unique passwords for different accounts as easy as using your cat’s name to secure your account.”

A recent F-Secure survey found that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have become more reliant on online services and accounts. 

More than one-third of consumers, 38%, reported that they have increased the number of online purchases made on their PCs since the crisis began. 32% of consumers said they’ve increased purchases on their mobile, and 31% said they spend more time working from home. 

Any account related to these sensitive activities could be a target for an account takeover, which could lead to identity theft or fraud. Protecting accounts with strong, unique passwords is an effective measure to prevent such compromises. 

“The passwords that secure our accounts have never mattered more and we’ve never had more crucial accounts to secure,” Laaksonen said. “Because this tool comes from F-Secure, with well over three decades of protecting consumers and securing their data, you can count on the Strong Password Generator to make it easy to get strong passwords that won’t fall into the wrong hands.”

Find out more about why every password matters here.