If you are the type to use simple words as passwords to make sure you do not forget them and use the same access codes for all your online accounts, you are making yourself an easy target for hackers.
Here are some useful tips to protect yourself from the risks of password theft:
Use different passwords for every online account. This will prove to be very helpful because in the event that one of your accounts get compromised, the others will still be kept safe. This is important especially in sites that stores critical private information such as your bank account or credit card numbers.
Change your passwords regularly. It is recommended that you change your passwords, especially for websites that need extra security, every 60 days or so. This way, you make it difficult for hackers to gain access to your accounts.
These tips prevent the risk of password theft but you must remember that it is most important for you to utilize access codes that are difficult to guess. There are five simple steps in creating secure passwords:
1) Avoid using personal information.
For a hacker that already has access to your computer, it will be easy to make use of the personal information gathered in your system to guess your password. Even people around you who do not have any technical knowledge on hacking can easily guess your password if you use personal information such as your birthday or telephone numbers.
2) Avoid using real words.
Hackers have developed tools that will help them guess your password by trying every word available in the dictionary. If it is necessary for you to use real words in an effort to not forget you passwords, try combining it with different characters.
3) Combine different character types.
It is recommended that you mix different character types when creating access codes. Combine uppercase letters with lowercase letters. Include numbers and even other characters such as “$” or “%.”
4) Think of Pass-Phrases.
If it is difficult for you to remember access codes of different character types, try to think of a phrase that you are sure to remember. A line from your favorite song, for example, could be very useful. You may try taking the first letter from each work in the phrase and combine them to create a password that will not be found in any dictionary.
5) Make use of Password Management Tools.
Some people, especially those who are more forgetful, make use of password management tools. These tools serve to store and remember your passwords for you in encrypted form. Some that automatically fill in usernames and passwords for specific sites have already been developed. Some of these password management tools include Password Minder and WinKey.
