Internet Users Need Stronger Passwords
In many instances, internet users use the same password for everything. Having a password easy to remember, is not always safe and can be a very high risk. Many experts recommend that you choose a strong password. Is there guidance for choosing better passwords? First, don’t use the obvious in your password – like your first or last name, the names of your children or your pet. Second, use a number other than a memorable year. These are easier to remember, but they can also be a problem. Don't use dates and names to build a password. Use some sort of "system". Some random set of letters, numbers or symbols works much better. Having longer passwords is most effective. Advice given on the subject by companies like Microsoft, includes using 14 or more characters!
Now you can probably come up with some great password like: xidpa0830!!apc0930 but how in the world will you remember that?!? It is best to have it written down. What? Yes, write it down. It is safer to write down your password and protect it than to save it on your computer and give countless numbers of hackers access to it. Your web experience will be much safer if you have it on paper where hackers don't have access to it!
Here are 5 steps that are recommended in creating your unique password:
-Come up with a phrase or sentence that you can easily remember. Something like: “I wish we had three day weekends.” (By the way, don’t use this one, come up with your own);
-Now use the first letter of each word as the base of your password. In this case, you would use: “iwwhtdw” (weird, isn’t it)
-You can replace number words with actual numbers and use upper case as well. This could be changed to “iwWh3dw”
-Get even more creative by substituting some letters with symbols “!wWh3dw”
-Still not sure? You can find an online password checker that will tell you if your password is strong enough.
After creating the “ultimate” password(s) and having updated all of your logins, you still might feel that you want additional protection against hackers who might steel your personal information. Other computers with your information could be hacked into as well, such as your last auto dealer, employer or health care provider. Try reading over the reviews of different services that offer identity theft protection. If you are interested in searching the web for the more popular and reputable services, do a search for something like LifeLock reviews, which might provide the additional protection you are looking for. These services are relatively inexpensive, however, you can save money with a promotion code.
In any case, do your best to protect your information. Just one of several ways to continue to enjoy your web experience!
