In one of our previous articles, we talked about the importance of regularly updating your online passwords and how to set a good, strong password. So, now you have a complex password and change it periodically, what’s next?
Stored Password
Website owners are required to use FTP to upload files to their websites. Many of the FTP programs allow you to store your password. With this feature, you only need to enter your login name and password the first time when you setup the FTP program and will help you connect automatically each time you upload files, without asking you to login again. Although this feature is extremely convenient, it may increase the risk of having your password stolen. If your computer is infected with a virus, the virus can examine your computer and FTP program, and find the username and password to your FTP account. Hackers can then access to your website files using your login and deface your website.
What to do?
First of all, regularly scan your computer with your anti-virus program. Secondly, we recommend that you don’t store your passwords in your FTP program or in your internet browsers (in fact, we strongly recommend you using our File Manager in cPanel to upload files to your website) . This way, your chances of getting your password stolen are greatly reduced.