Why the security of your online accounts is more important than ever in 2025
Cyber-attack is no longer just a problem for big companies. Statistics show that around 74% of cyber incidents are related to the human factor. – such as weak or duplicate passwords, phishingor carelessly clicking on an unknown link.
Ordinary people’s accounts are also valuable to attackers. If a hacker gains access to your Gmail account, they can use it to reset passwords to other services, including your bank or online shop. A Facebook or Instagram account can be used to spread scams to friends. Even a small forum account can be the first step towards a bigger attack.
Your email is the digital key to all other accounts. That’s why internet security is no longer just an issue for IT professionals, it’s part of everyday life. Fortunately, it only takes a few steps to protect yourself against most common attacks.
Two-factor authentication (2FA): why passwords alone are no longer enough
A password alone is no longer enough. Too many passwords have already been made public by the data chain. If you use the same password in multiple places, an attacker could try to use it in Gmail, Facebook or even your bank.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is like an extra lock on your digital door. It means that, in addition to a password, you are asked for another proof that you are you.
- SMS code – easy to use and offered by many banks and social media platforms. However, it is more vulnerable (e.g. to SIM card switching attacks).
- Application-based code – Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator or Authy. They generate new code every 30 seconds that only you can see. More secure than SMS because an attacker can’t just eavesdrop.
- Physical security key – YubiKey or FIDO2 standard USB/NFC key. This is the “gold standard”: even if the password is leaked, no one can access the account without the key.
📌 An example for a regular user: when you sign in to Gmail, you first enter a password. When you first enter your password, first you enter your email account, then you are prompted for a six-digit code from the Authenticator app. If the attacker knows your password, they still can’t log in because they don’t have the code. It’s like a front door – you can unlock it with a key, but without the alarm code, the alarm will go off.
Passwords: why the old tricks no longer work
Typical password “Mari1990!” may seem secure, but modern software can crack it in seconds.
Hive Systems 2023 password table shows:
- 8-character password in lower case only – breakable in an instant.
- 8-character mixed password – breakable in minutes or hours.
- 14-character random password – can take millions of years to crack.
Source: Hive Systems Password Table 2023
Password manager – your digital safe
A password manager is like a security safe where you store all your passwords. You only remember one master password, the rest is done by the program.
Many people fear “what if the password manager is hacked?”. In fact, these services are built zero-knowledge all passwords are encrypted and cannot even be seen by the service provider. Even if somebody could get into the server, without your master password, the data is just a jumble of encrypted noise.
Credible options:
- Bitwarden – free, open source.
- 1Password – very user friendly and suitable for teams.
- NordPass – with support in Estonian and a modern solution.
👉 If you’ve been using passwords like “Mari1990”, Password Manager will make your life easier and more secure.
Smart internet: how to protect yourself every day
Technical tools can help a lot, but your own online behaviour is just as important.
- Don’t open unknown links. Common in Messenger “Hey, is that you in the picture?” is a classic scam.
- Check the address bar. Secure pages start with https:// and the browser will show a lock icon.
- On a public Wi-Fi network, use a VPN.
📌 What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. If someone tries to listen to your traffic on the cafe’s Wi-Fi network, all they’ll see is confusion – not what passwords you’re entering or what pages you’re visiting. A VPN doesn’t make you invisible, but it makes eavesdropping essentially impossible.
Suggested options:
- ProtonVPN – privacy-centric, Swiss jurisdiction, recognised by security experts.
- NordVPN – very fast, large number of servers, independently audited.
Recommendations for 2025: tools and habits
- Password managers: Bitwarden, 1Password, NordPass.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator.
- Control of password flags: HaveIBeenPwned
- VPN on a public WiFi network: ProtonVPN, NordVPN.
If the worst happens
- Account hacked → change password immediately, log out of all devices, turn on 2FA.
- Phone goes missing → use 2FA spare codes or contact your service provider.
- Suspicious email or message → do not open the link, delete it.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2FA by SMS safe?
It’s better than nothing and it’s still used (banks, Gmail, Facebook). But apps or a physical security key are more secure.
Is Password Manager safe?
Yes, they use strong encryption and zero-knowledge. More secure than an Excel spreadsheet or password repetition.
How to restore access to the password manager?
Most administrators provide backup codes or recovery keys. These should be saved from the start. If they are also lost, the service provider will not be able to access your data.
Three steps to start today
- Turn on 2FA in your email, social media and bank.
- Use a password manager to avoid duplicate passwords.
- Be aware of links and public WiFi networks.
These three habits will protect you from most attacks.
Finally
The internet is not a dangerous environment if you know how to behave safely. The biggest threat is not from “super hackers” but from our own negligence: weak passwords, lack of 2FA and clicking on links. By taking a few simple steps, you’ll save yourself a lot of headache and protect your friends and family too.
👉 Check your email passwords at HaveIBeenPwned
👉 If you need help increasing the security of your company website, we offer a free 1-hour audit at Web Systems.
