Creating Stronger Passwords
Internet security is more critical than ever as online fraudsters hone their craft of deception. The world has moved online so you should take logins, passwords and personal information very seriously. You would not give the key to the front door of your home or business to just anyone you should have the same respect for passwords.
Everything from financially related logins for online banking and brokerages accounts to more casual logins like Netflix and Facebook require a login and password. The problem is that most people use the same password for their bank login as they do their Facebook account. This is not a secure practice since you are putting all of your eggs in one basket.
If an intruder obtains your Facebook login they will also have your bank password. You should have different levels of passwords for different types of logins. Remembering all of those passwords and having one that is considered “strong” enough is the tricky part and why most people create simple passwords which are easy to remember, but also more easily hacked. Take an extra few seconds to type in a more complex password, your online security depends on it.
Good Practices for Creating Strong Passwords
- Do NOT use your birthday, address or social security number ever.
- DO NOT simply add a number if you are forced to change your password. Make it completely different.
- DO create a password that is at least 8 characters in length.
- DO Include at least one special character or number (if allowed sometimes they are not).
- DO Create different levels of passwords.
Creating different levels of passwords
High Level: Banking, financial or anything to do with money etc
Medium Level: Level: Everything else online that is not related to money (Netflix, Facebook, Google etc)
Low Level: A more casual or temporary password that you may need to share with someone else for whatever reason, or for questionable websites (one that you are not comfortable providing your higher level passwords)
How to Create Strong Passwords That You Can Remember
- Example 1: Jack Was My 1st Dog And My Best Friend= JWM#1DAMBF
- Example 2: On My Vacation I Rode 3 Times On The Rollercoaster= OMVIR#3TOTR
You get the idea, a phrase is much easier to remember and mix it up your own way. Change upper and lower case, add different symbols or numbers. The key is to make it complex enough that it cannot be compromised.
FREE Password Utilities:
If you don't want to think that much, checkout Nortons FREE Password Generator to create highly secure passwords. You can store them in Nortons FREE Identity Safe password vault.
by: Len Osborne | NTI | www.NaplesTech.com