ഇന്നത്തെ digital ലോകത്ത് **password** എന്നത് ഒരു ചെറിയ word അല്ല.
Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, bank apps, UPI, cloud storage, office accounts—എല്ലാം password-ൽ തന്നെയാണ് സുരക്ഷിതമാകുന്നത്.
പക്ഷേ അതേ സമയം, cyber crime-ൽ ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതൽ exploit ചെയ്യപ്പെടുന്നതും **weak passwords** തന്നെയാണ്.
ഈ technology-based guide-ൽ, **password technology എങ്ങനെ work ചെയ്യുന്നു, weak passwords എങ്ങനെ hackers break ചെയ്യുന്നു, strong password ഉണ്ടാക്കാനുള്ള modern best practices എന്തൊക്കെയാണ്** എന്നത് ലളിതമായ മലയാളത്തിൽ വിശദമായി നോക്കാം.
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## Password Technology എന്നത് എന്താണ്?
Password technology എന്നത്:
* User identity verify ചെയ്യാൻ
* System-കൾ ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന authentication method ആണ്
Password directly store ചെയ്യാറില്ല:
* It is converted into **hashed form**
* Encryption algorithms ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്നു
👉 Password security science-based ആണ്.
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## Weak Passwords Hack ചെയ്യുന്നത് എങ്ങനെ?
### 1️⃣ Brute Force Attack
* All possible combinations try ചെയ്യുന്നു
* Simple passwords seconds-ൽ break
Examples:
* 123456
* password
* abc123
👉 Automation makes it fast.
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### 2️⃣ Dictionary Attack
* Common words list
* Names, places, dates
👉 Birthday-based passwords unsafe.
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### 3️⃣ Credential Stuffing
* One site breach
* Same password other sites-ൽ try
👉 One weak password = multiple accounts hacked.
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### 4️⃣ Phishing Attacks
* Fake emails / websites
* User voluntarily password enter ചെയ്യും
👉 Technology + human mistake.
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## Why Reusing Passwords Is Dangerous?
Same password use ചെയ്താൽ:
* One site compromise → all accounts risk
👉 Hackers love password reuse.
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## Strong Password Technology – What Makes It Secure?
### Strong password features:
✔ Minimum 12–16 characters
✔ Uppercase + lowercase
✔ Numbers + symbols
✔ Random pattern
Example (safe):
> `R8#t!Qm$2L@9`
👉 Hard to guess, hard to brute-force.
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## Password Length vs Complexity
Truth:
* Length more important than symbols
Example:
* `MyCatPlaysGuitarAt9PM!`
👉 Long + memorable = strong.
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## Password Managers – Technology Advantage
Password managers:
* Generate strong passwords
* Store securely
* Auto-fill safely
Advantages:
* No need to remember everything
* No password reuse
👉 Technology helps humans.
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## Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Extra Security Layer
2FA adds:
* OTP
* App approval
* Hardware key
Even if password leaked:
* Account still protected
👉 Always enable where available.
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## OTP vs App-Based 2FA
| Method | Security |
| —————– | ——— |
| SMS OTP | Medium |
| Authenticator App | High |
| Hardware Key | Very High |
👉 App-based 2FA recommended.
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## Password Security & Android Users
Android phones store:
* Saved passwords
* App logins
Tips:
* Lock screen mandatory
* Biometrics enable
* Unknown apps avoid
👉 Phone security = password security.
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## Common Password Myths ❌
❌ “Strong password alone enough”
❌ “Hackers target only rich people”
❌ “Small sites safe”
👉 Reality: automated attacks target everyone.
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## How Often Should You Change Passwords?
Modern advice:
* Change when breached
* Not every month blindly
But:
* Important accounts yearly change good practice.
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## Password Security for Banking & Payments
Rules:
* Unique password
* Never share OTP
* Avoid public Wi-Fi
* App lock enable
👉 Financial safety depends on password hygiene.
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## Children & Elderly Users – Password Awareness
* Simple passwords common
* Write down passwords
Solution:
* Password manager setup
* Family guidance
* Education
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## If You Think Password Compromised – What To Do?
1️⃣ Change password immediately
2️⃣ Logout all sessions
3️⃣ Enable 2FA
4️⃣ Check recent activity
5️⃣ Warn contacts if needed
👉 Speed matters.
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## Password Technology Future Trends
Emerging tech:
* Passkeys
* Biometric authentication
* Password-less login
👉 Passwords slowly reducing, but still important.
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## Password vs Biometric – Which Better?
| Method | Risk |
| ——— | ———————- |
| Password | Guessable |
| Biometric | Physical access needed |
👉 Best combo = password + biometric.
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## Frequently Asked Questions
### ❓ Password manager safe ആണോ?
✔ Yes, safer than human memory.
### ❓ Same password everywhere bad ആണോ?
✔ Very bad.
### ❓ Notes app-ൽ password save safe?
❌ Not recommended.
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## Best Practices Summary
✔ Unique passwords
✔ Long & random
✔ Password manager use
✔ 2FA enable
✔ Phishing awareness
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