Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year

From Edie: A cautionary reminder for writers to take password security seriously, with practical steps to protect social media, email, and website accounts and safeguard your author platform.

Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Have you changed your passwords lately? If not, the dawn of a new year is the perfect time to do so.

I used to be complacent about my passwords. They were easy for me to remember and rarely changed. But that laissez-faire attitude changed when someone hacked into my Meta Business Suite, took over my account, and locked me out. To make matters worse, they posted content that violated Meta’s Community Standards. As a result, Meta took down my Facebook and Instagram accounts, and I was never able to recover them. That hack cost me over 5000 followers and a significant portion of my online presence. So, when I say take password security seriously, I know what happens when you don’t.

If you want to join me in a digital reset, here’s how:

Make A List of Your Accounts

It’s easy to forget how many online accounts you have as a writer. Begin with a comprehensive list of all your accounts and their login information.

Here are a few of mine:

• Wordpress 
• Bluehost 
• Mailerlite 
• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Paypal

Make your Passwords Difficult to Hack

We all want memorable passwords. But those are rarely secure. Experts recommend creating ones that are unique, contain twelve to sixteen characters, and consist of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

I now use Google Password Manager. It suggests complex passwords that are a mishmash of letters and symbols. Thankfully, the app remembers them for me. 

Some of your accounts may require two-factor authentication. I highly recommend setting that up as it further secures your accounts. If I’d had this set up on my Meta account, my hacker wouldn’t have been able to gain access.

Do Not Reuse Passwords

Online security experts always recommend that each account have a unique password. Do not create ones you can easily remember and then use them on multiple accounts. 

Set Up Secure Access to Your Computer and Cell Phone

Having a password or other security measure, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, on your electronic devices is critical. If someone steals your computer or phone, they can access your accounts if there isn’t a security measure in place to stop their use of the device.

Many websites remember your device and automatically fill in login information. Apps often stay logged in. If someone gets access to your computer or phone, they can easily access your accounts and wreak havoc.

Takeaway

As you rest from the busy holiday season and look forward to a new year, there’s no better time than today to take stock of your online account security.

Do the digital reset you actually need and change your passwords. Your author platform could crumble overnight if you don’t.

What suggestions can you share that enhanced your digital security? 

TWEETABLE

Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year from Ginny Cruz on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT, is an award-winning author and pediatric physical therapist. Her latest book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year, teaches moms simple yet effective ways to keep their baby’s development on track. She loves a good cup of coffee, spending time outdoors, and relaxing with her husband and grown sons. Find out more at ginnycruz.com.