Are Your Passwords Putting You at Risk?
A smarter way to stay secure
Passwords are still a major part of everyday life. We use them for email, banking, shopping, social media, medical portals, streaming services, and many other accounts. Fortunately, Apple has made password security easier with the Passwords app, iCloud Keychain, Face ID, Touch ID, and passkeys. Even so, a few common habits can still put your accounts at risk.
You’re Reusing the Same Password Everywhere
Using the same password on several websites is one of the biggest security mistakes you can make. If one company suffers a data breach and your password is exposed, criminals may try that same email address and password on other websites.
That means a password stolen from an old shopping account could potentially be used to access your email, social media, or another important service.
Apple’s Passwords app can help identify reused passwords and can create strong, unique passwords for new accounts. The best practice is simple: every important account should have its own password.
You Keep Using Short Passwords
Short passwords are easier for automated tools to guess. A familiar password may be convenient, but convenience should not come at the expense of security.
Whenever possible, use longer passwords, ideally 15 characters or more. You do not have to memorize them all. Let your iPhone, iPad, or Mac create a strong password and save it for you.
Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode can then authenticate you when you need to use that password.
Ignoring Compromised Password Warnings
Apple can warn you when a password may have appeared in a known data breach, is being reused, or is considered weak.
Do not ignore these alerts. Open the Passwords app and review the Security section. If a password has been compromised, change it as soon as possible and make sure you are not using that same password on another account.
A warning does not necessarily mean someone has accessed your account, but it does mean you should take action.
Saving Passwords in Notes or Screenshots
Many people store passwords in the Notes app, take screenshots of them, or keep them in documents. While that may seem convenient, these are not the best places to store sensitive login information.
Apple’s Passwords app is designed specifically for this purpose. It can securely store passwords, verification codes, Wi-Fi passwords, and passkeys, and it can synchronize that information across your Apple devices through iCloud.
Ignoring Passkeys When They’re Available
More websites and apps are starting to offer passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords.
Passkeys allow you to sign in using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. They are also much more resistant to phishing because there is no password for you to accidentally type into a fake website.
When a trusted service offers a passkey, it is usually worth considering.
Keep Your Passwords Safe
Good password security does not have to be complicated. Use unique passwords for every account, let your Apple devices generate strong passwords, pay attention to security warnings, enable two-factor authentication, and use passkeys when available.
A few small changes can make a big difference in keeping your accounts and personal information safe.
Jeff is your one-stop Mac expert, an Apple Certified Support Professional, and 40-year Mac user. Assisting new and vintage Mac users with training and setup, Mac, iPhone and iPad.
Jeff Bohr
Naples Mac Help
239.595.0482
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