Government Recommends Stronger Passwords to Avoid Identity Fraud

The most recent government figures from market research company Ipsos MORI reveal that just 35% of South West England is taking the latest advice from the government in using strong passwords composed of three miscellaneous words.

The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), says that it is among the most crucial actions that can be taken in the protection against cyber crime.

It says that cyber crime is an increasing concern throughout the UK. Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates that two million cyber crime attacks were carried out in 2015.

A simple password can enable hackers to employ email in their attempts to breach personal accounts, which leaves individuals susceptible to fraud or identity theft.

The government’s Cyber Aware campaign is encouraging both businesses and individuals in Cornwall and Devon to think randomly when creating passwords. It has even created the #ThinkRandom hashtag.

A National Cyber Security Centre spokesperson said:

“Our research shows that the best way to make a password memorable and strong is to use three random words.

“It doesn’t matter what inspires you – from watching sport to going out for a bite to eat, thinking random is the best way to keep yourself secure online.

“Your most important accounts are your email, social media and online banking accounts, so it’s important to use strong, separate passwords for each of these.”

With 30% of the South West admitting that they have shared their passwords, Cyber Aware has also taken to advising people to maintain confidentiality.”

Neighbourhood Watch Chair Lynn Farrar added:

“It’s increasingly important to protect yourself against cybercrime. We are all at risk, and we’re keen to encourage as many people as possible to #ThinkRandom and use strong passwords made up of three random words.”

The National Cyber Security Programme (NCSP) funds the campaign, which was originally called Cyber Streetwise when it was announced in 2014. The goal is to provide businesses and individuals with the knowhow to control their cyber security set up and help to defend themselves against a cyber attack.

Cyber crime is a key issue for the UK, and the government has decided to take action in making the public more aware of the threat. It is planning to invest £1.9bn to overhaul cyber security in the UK. The NCSP will assist the goals laid out in the 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy over a five-year period, and illustrates how important of an issue the government views cyber security to be.

As well as providing advice, the NCSP also plans to take action in defending the UK from cyber threats. Further, it will manage responses to cyber attacks.

The government is taking the necessary actions to combat an issue that has plagued many businesses throughout the UK in recent years. Nonetheless, business owners are putting their company at risk if they fail to create cyber security jobs in a bid to attract the cyber talent necessary to prevent, or respond to, an attack.