Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Answers HQ Online Security Newsletter.
Last month, we touched on the topic of using AI in phishing attempts and how to avoid falling victim to such attacks. If you want to check the previous edition, you'll find a link at the end of this post along with links to all previous editions.
We would also like to highlight the previous month's challenge, which garnered a lot of ... interest. 😉
We have curated content based on the information covered in Answers HQ Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Protecting your gaming account(s), including riddles to challenge you as well. Our focus for this month is centred on the critical aspects of strong passwords, and other ways of making your accounts secure.
As always, we invite you to participate in the discussion on your experiences and tips on the theme of this month's newsletter.
Anyone who would participate in the discussion, solve the challenge or take part in the quiz will receive a unique forum badge for their badge collection!
Security focus - Passwords
- Avoid using personal information when creating a password
It is very important to refrain from using personal information while creating your password. This kind of information (like your birthdate or name) might be publicly available, especially on social media, and can be easily guessed. The more random, and unrelated your password is, the better.
- Create a strong, unique password
Remembering passwords might be tiresome, but there is a technique which might help you avoid forgetting them. Think of your favourite phrase which could be turned into an acronym. Make sure that such an acronym is at least 8 letters long. Now mix uppercase and lowercase letters, change the sequence or reverse the order of the letters. Add special characters and numbers to the mix and you'll have a strong password which could be easy to remember.
- Avoid entering passwords while using public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks often lacks security measures, which makes them perfect environment for attackers to intercept data while it's being transmitted, including stealing your password. If you are forced to use public Wi-Fi, and you have to log in anywhere using your credentials, use VPN for strengthen your security.
- Beware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing is a social engineering technique, which it's sole purpose is for you to reveal your sensitive data. It may come as an email, text message (SMS), a DM on social media, or someone might simply "shoulder surf" while you type your password on Public Wi-Fi while using VPN. Always verify the source before sharing any sensitive information and when in doubt, contact the supposed sender directly.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (TFA)
For an extra layer of protection, set up TFA on your accounts whenever they are available. You can read on how to turn on Login Verification for your EA account here.
- Use Password Managers
If you're struggling with remembering passwords (even though you have a flawless system which you've thought of in the first point), consider using password managers. You don't have to remember all of your passwords, but make sure to create a strong password for the password manager itself! Some people use physical password notebooks. Opinions on this are divided. What is your opinion on this?
- Change passwords when it is necassary
Contrary to what was believed in the past, frequent changes in the password do not equal better security. According to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Digital Identity Standards, frequent password changes simply frustrate users and tend to force them to reuse passwords. That being said, it is crucial to keep your passwords complicated and unique.
- Don't share passwords
Just don't.
If you aren’t getting emails with Login Verification codes for EA SPORTS FC™ 24, find a past email from ea@e.ea.com and allow images to be displayed. Then, resend the verification email.
EA anticheat is coming to Battlefield V in early April!
EA ANTICHEAT AND BATTLEFIELD
Respawn Team have recently added another security update, safeguarding the competitive matches and player security.
As usual we have prepared the quiz to check your knowledge from this month Security Focus:
Community Admin
Community Manager