Password Security Tips
The Internet has connected us to a world of new experiences, enabling us to expand our boundaries well beyond our physical location. We can visit a virtual art museum, order pizza and check our bank balance, all in one online session.
But as much as we can accomplish via the Internet, such experiences can be fraught with peril if we do not take the proper security measures. And when it comes to cybersecurity, the best first step is a strong password.
Choosing a strong password—and remembering it—can be a challenge, but it is your first line of defense against cyber attacks. The stronger your password, the more secure your computer and accounts may be.
Most people do not put a lot of thought into creating passwords beyond their pet’s name or their birthday, but as the number of data security breaches online continue to rise, it is critical to have passwords that are difficult to break.
Not sure whether your passwords would pass muster? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- To create a strong password, use eight characters or more in an alphanumeric combination, upper and lower case combinations or symbols. You should avoid using complete words.
- Make your passwords cryptic so they cannot be easily guessed, but be sure it is something you can remember. To find the right balance between convenience to remember and difficult for hackers, consider creating a unique acronym for a sentence or phrase you like or including phonetic or alphanumeric replacements for wording within the phrase.
- Avoid using personal information such as your name, birthdates, family or pet’s names or your company’s name in your passwords.
Once you have created your strong password, you need to ensure it remains an effective line of defense. To keep your password strong: Read More
