Most people clueless about passwords

Latest Kaspersky report

Most Internet users, 83 percent specifically, think up their own passwords and half don't know how to check if they have been compromised, according to the latest Kaspersky report.

Passwords need to be stored more securely, the global cybersecurity company warned.

Passwords are the most common method of authentication, but they only work if they are hard to crack and confidential.

With an increasing number of applications requiring them, it can be hard to come up with new ideas for complex passwords and keep them all in the users' mind – especially when they are required to change their passwords regularly.

In addition to this challenge, it’s becoming more vital to store passwords securely and look out for instances when these credentials could be leaked.

According to Kaspersky’s report, 55% of users claim they remember all of their passwords – which can be difficult if security requirements such as password complexity and uniqueness are to be satisfied.

One in five, or 19% of users, keep their passwords written in a file or document stored on their computer, while 18% use the browsers on their computers, smartphones, or tablets to store their passwords.

However, users can check if their passwords have been leaked.

For instance, services such as Have I Been Pwned? maintain a database where users can check if their passwords have been included in public leaks or data breaches without visiting the sketchier parts of the web.

“Consumers can monitor the spread of personal data, including which passwords might have been leaked," maintained Marina Titova, Head of Consumer Product Marketing.

This is not only for the sake of “just being aware”; it also allows individuals to take the right action to minimize any invasion of privacy – along with any wider consequences, she added.