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The Credit Information Bureau (BIK) warns that 10% of Poles use the same password to log in to all their devices, applications and online accounts. Doing so drastically increases the risk of personal data theft and financial loss.
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Andrzej Karpiński, head of BIK’s security department, emphasizes that using one password for many accounts violates the basic principles of cybersecurity. In the event of a break-in, a criminal gaining access to one password can take control of all user accounts. That’s why experts call for the use of unique passwords as the “first line of defense” against data loss.
However, the “Device and login security” study, commissioned by BIK, shows that the awareness of the need to use multiple passwords among Poles is growing. 56% of respondents admit that long passwords significantly affect security, and 18% emphasize the need to change them regularly. At the same time, as Andrzej Karpiński notes, the frequent change of passwords is now being abandoned in favor of their length and complexity. Specialists recommend passwords of at least 12-13 characters, which is due to the computing power of today’s computers, which are capable of cracking shorter passwords in fractions of seconds.
For people who have trouble remembering complex passwords, Karpiński suggests using easy-to-remember rhymes or song fragments that contain errors or special characters known only to the user.
The study was conducted using the CAWI method in April 2024 on a representative group of 1,090 adult Poles. The results are an important reminder of the need to protect your digital identity in an increasingly digitized world.
It is worth remembering that the consequences of identity theft can be serious – from loss of money to legal problems. That’s why it’s so important to follow good practices when it comes to passwords and overall online security. In addition to using unique, strong passwords, experts also recommend updating your software regularly, being careful when opening email attachments, and using trusted Wi-Fi networks.
The results of the BIK survey should be an alarm signal for people who still use one password for many accounts. This is a good time to review your online safety habits and make any necessary changes. After all, in today’s digital world, our data is a valuable resource that we must take care of ourselves.
Editor-in-chief of the website. Graduate of Journalism and Political Science from the University of Warsaw.
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