Security
How to keep your passwords safe.
Ways to keep your passwords safe
Here are some ways to keep your passwords safe and secure.
* Save half password instead of the full passwords. For example, if your password is Summer1D3gs you just remember the first part of the password, Summer and save 1D3gs in to password storage.
1. Avoid pet names, birthdays, etc.
Fido, September241983, and Password123 are all examples of weak passwords. Using a pet’s name, your street address, an anniversary, or the word password in your password makes it easy for you to remember your password, but it also makes it easy for criminals to guess and hack into your account.
2. Create strong, complex passwords
There are several guidelines you should follow when creating your passwords. Here’s a brief rundown of the most important tips:
Use 8–12 characters—the longer the password, the more difficult it is to crack.
Include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Generate a complex password using an online password generator.
3. Use different passwords
woman on computerWe’ve all been guilty of using the same password (or a variation of it) for every account. That makes it easy for someone to hack into your online profiles, but no one can remember 8–12 characters with varying numbers, letters, and symbols for every single online profile. However, it’s important to remember that once a hacker has your password, they’ll have access to all your profiles.
4. Don’t write your passwords down
You’d be surprised at the number of people who have a document on their computer or a paper in their desk with all their usernames and passwords written down. This is a huge security risk—if someone were to hack your computer or search your desk, you’d be in big trouble.
5. Sign up for a password manager
We know it’s asking a lot to use different passwords for every account without writing them all down. A password manager can save you from having to remember dozens of complicated passwords. Password managers store all your usernames, passwords, credit card information, form fills, and more—and some of them are free. Check out our top picks for best password manager to see which ones we love.
6. Use two-factor authentication
login on phone screenTwo-factor authentication is like having two passwords for your accounts. No, we’re not asking you to remember double the passwords. Two-factor authentication typically works with a four- or six-digit code that is generated through an app or sent to your phone to confirm you are the person who should be accessing the account. For example, when I sign in to PayPal, a text message is sent to me with a code I can type into the PayPal page to confirm that I am the account holder.
7. Change your passwords regularly
Changing your passwords regularly may not prevent hackers from obtaining access to your account, but it will prevent them from having continued access to it. A good practice is to change your passwords every three months of so.
8. Update your devices
This tip may seem unlikely—how is updating your devices going to keep your passwords safe? Software updates for your computer, tablet, and smartphone often contain security upgrades, which can keep the data entered and saved on your device more secure. Next time your device alerts you of software updates, don’t postpone it.
9. Don’t share your passwords
It’s one thing to share your passwords with your spouse, but we recommend keeping them private from others, even your children. Children may not understand the importance of online security, and they may share your credentials with others, making you vulnerable to hacking and even identity theft.
Fido, September241983, and Password123 are all examples of weak passwords. Using a pet’s name, your street address, an anniversary, or the word password in your password makes it easy for you to remember your password, but it also makes it easy for criminals to guess and hack into your account.
2. Create strong, complex passwords
There are several guidelines you should follow when creating your passwords. Here’s a brief rundown of the most important tips:
Use 8–12 characters—the longer the password, the more difficult it is to crack.
Include a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Generate a complex password using an online password generator.
3. Use different passwords
woman on computerWe’ve all been guilty of using the same password (or a variation of it) for every account. That makes it easy for someone to hack into your online profiles, but no one can remember 8–12 characters with varying numbers, letters, and symbols for every single online profile. However, it’s important to remember that once a hacker has your password, they’ll have access to all your profiles.
4. Don’t write your passwords down
You’d be surprised at the number of people who have a document on their computer or a paper in their desk with all their usernames and passwords written down. This is a huge security risk—if someone were to hack your computer or search your desk, you’d be in big trouble.
5. Sign up for a password manager
We know it’s asking a lot to use different passwords for every account without writing them all down. A password manager can save you from having to remember dozens of complicated passwords. Password managers store all your usernames, passwords, credit card information, form fills, and more—and some of them are free. Check out our top picks for best password manager to see which ones we love.
6. Use two-factor authentication
login on phone screenTwo-factor authentication is like having two passwords for your accounts. No, we’re not asking you to remember double the passwords. Two-factor authentication typically works with a four- or six-digit code that is generated through an app or sent to your phone to confirm you are the person who should be accessing the account. For example, when I sign in to PayPal, a text message is sent to me with a code I can type into the PayPal page to confirm that I am the account holder.
7. Change your passwords regularly
Changing your passwords regularly may not prevent hackers from obtaining access to your account, but it will prevent them from having continued access to it. A good practice is to change your passwords every three months of so.
8. Update your devices
This tip may seem unlikely—how is updating your devices going to keep your passwords safe? Software updates for your computer, tablet, and smartphone often contain security upgrades, which can keep the data entered and saved on your device more secure. Next time your device alerts you of software updates, don’t postpone it.
9. Don’t share your passwords
It’s one thing to share your passwords with your spouse, but we recommend keeping them private from others, even your children. Children may not understand the importance of online security, and they may share your credentials with others, making you vulnerable to hacking and even identity theft.