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Archive: November 14, 2024

change passwords reminder

Why Change Your Passwords

You’ve probably heard the advice to change your passwords frequently. But why bother?

In our increasingly digital world, passwords are the first line of defense against many cyber threats. These humble combinations of characters protect everything from our email and bank accounts to our social media profiles and cloud storage. However, many people overlook the importance of changing their passwords regularly, which can leave them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Drivers change their car’s oil and homeowners change furnace filters regularly to maintain equipment. Here’s why making a habit of regularly updating your passwords is crucial for maintaining your cybersecurity.

1. Preventing Unauthorized Access

Hackers are continually developing new methods to crack passwords. Whether through brute force attacks, phishing, or data breaches, the longer a password remains unchanged, the greater the risk of it being compromised. Regularly change your passwords to ensure that even if your old password falls into the wrong hands, it will soon be rendered useless.

2. Minimizing the Impact of Data Breaches

Data breaches are alarmingly common and can affect even the most secure organizations. When a breach occurs, attackers often sell or publish the stolen credentials on the dark web. By changing your passwords frequently, you reduce the window of opportunity for attackers to use compromised credentials. This proactive approach minimizes the damage that a breach can cause to your personal information and accounts.

3. Protecting Multiple Accounts

One of the most common mistakes people make is reusing the same password across multiple accounts. While convenient, this practice is extremely risky. If a hacker gains access to one account, they could potentially access all other accounts with the same password. Regularly changing your passwords—and using unique ones for each account—adds an extra layer of security and prevents a domino effect in case of a breach.

4. Responding to New Threats

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, with new threats emerging regularly. By changing your passwords periodically, you stay ahead of these threats and adapt to the latest security practices. This vigilance helps protect your accounts from advanced attacks that exploit weaknesses in older, more predictable passwords.

5. Encouraging Better Password Practices

Frequently updating passwords encourages better password hygiene overall. It compels you to create stronger, more complex passwords rather than relying on easy-to-remember, and often weak, ones. A good password should be a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Regular changes ensure you don’t fall back into bad habits of creating simple, easily guessable passwords.

6. Enhancing Organizational Security

For businesses, enforcing regular password changes among employees is vital for maintaining the security of company data and systems. Employees often access sensitive information and systems that, if compromised, can have significant repercussions. Regular password updates help organizations mitigate the risk of insider threats and ensure that even if credentials are leaked or stolen, they won’t be usable for long.

7. Complying with Security Standards

Many regulatory bodies and industry standards require regular password updates as part of their cybersecurity protocols. Compliance with these standards not only protects your organization from legal ramifications but also fortifies your defense against potential cyber threats. Adhering to these practices helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the organization.

We know it can be a hassle to change your passwords, but it’s important! So set repeat reminders on your calendar, do it on major holidays or in conjunction with changing your oil, or whatever other periodic task you do. Make it a habit to change your passwords.

Change Your Passwords calendar reminder

Regularly changing your passwords is a simple yet effective way to enhance your cybersecurity. It helps prevent unauthorized access, minimizes the impact of data breaches, protects multiple accounts, and keeps you ahead of emerging threats. By fostering better password practices and adhering to security standards, you not only safeguard your personal information but also contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone.

Keeping Track of Passwords

If you have trouble remembering passwords, here are some of the safest methods to store them:

1. Use a Password Manager

A password manager is software designed to store and manage online credentials securely. It encrypts your password database with a master password, which is the only one you need to remember. Some well-known password managers include Microsoft Entra. LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden. They can also generate strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.

3. Encrypted Digital Notes

If you prefer not to use a dedicated password manager, you can store your passwords in a digital note that you encrypt with a strong password. Tools like Microsoft OneNote and Apple Notes offer this feature.

4. Secure Physical Storage

For those who prefer an offline method, writing passwords down and storing them in a secure location, such as a locked safe, can be an option. This method avoids the risk of online breaches but requires careful management to avoid loss or unauthorized access.

In closing, here’s some additional advice about passwords.

Multi-Factor Authentication

In addition to remembering to change your passwords, using two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) adds an extra layer of security. If your app offers it, do it! It requires not only your password but also an additional form of authentication (like a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone) to access your account.

Avoiding Reuse and Simplicity

Regardless of your storage method, it’s crucial to avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts and to ensure each password is strong and unique. Combine this with regular updates to your passwords for added security.

Make password updates a routine part of your digital life—your future self will thank you.🛡️

If you need help securing your tech, Dijital Majik is here to help. Contact us now to get started.

laptop using windows 11 faq

Urgent Windows 11 Upgrade FAQ

The urgency surrounding the Windows 11 upgrade for Windows-based computers isn’t hype – it’s essential. Whether you do it now to take advantage of new features and security upgrades or by the October 14, 2025 end-of-life date is up to you. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

What is Windows 10 end of life?

End of life and end of support are terms that refer to the end of technical support and security updates for Windows 10. After 10 years, this older version of Windows will no longer receive free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes. For consumers, end of support means that Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows for the latest critical updates and support that can keep you secure online.

What happens to my PC when Windows 10 reached the end of support date?

As of October 14, 2025, PCs running Windows 10 will still function, but Microsoft will no longer provide the following:

  • Technical support
  • Feature updates
  • Security updates or fixes

While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, it will be at greater risk for viruses and malware when Windows 10 reaches end of support. We recommend you transition to a version of Windows that is still supported. If your existing device cannot run Windows 11, a new PC that can run Windows 11 makes for an easy transition and great experience.

Will my current PC support a Windows 11 upgrade?

Check if your PC meets the minimum requirements by opening Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Update.

If your PC is able to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, you should see an option in Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If your PC is not able to upgrade to Windows 11 or if you want to replace it, you can move to Windows 11 by purchasing a new PC. Dijital Majik can help you with your Windows 11 upgrade or help you replace your PC.

Can I upgrade my current hardware to meet the minimum system requirements for a Windows 11 upgrade?

Dijital Majik can help determine if that would work and provide guidance on what is needed. However, it may make more sense to simply upgrade to a new PC, because hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 10 was released. Today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure.

How is Windows 11 security better than Windows 10 security?

Windows 11 is the most secure Windows ever built, with comprehensive end-to-end security that covers antivirus, firewall, internet protections, and more. This means more security features, dashboard displays, and ongoing updates to help safeguard against future threats–all built-in at no extra cost. To receive updates, internet access is required and service fees may apply. Read more about Windows security.

Will my Microsoft 365 apps be supported when Windows 10 reaches end of support?

No. Microsoft 365 apps will not be supported on Windows 10 when it reaches end of support on October 14, 2025, because the operating system will no longer meet the system requirements for Microsoft 365 apps. To remain supported, you can move forward by either upgrading your device to Windows 11 or by setting up the existing subscription on any new computer you purchase.

How will the end of support for Windows 10 impact my Microsoft Office apps?

Starting October 14, 2025, Office 2016 and Office 2019 will also reach end of support. To remain supported we recommend you consider a Microsoft 365 subscription or install the non-subscription supported version, Office 2021, in addition to upgrading to Windows 11.

Take advantage of all that a Windows 11 upgrade has to offer with help from Dijital Majik. Contact us now to get started.