Tips for Choosing a Strong Password -- Security Today

Tips for Choosing a Strong Password

By Tyler Thurston
Oct 18, 2012

With so much of our personal information stored on our phones or computers, choosing a strong, hard-to-hack password is of utmost importance. Whether it is your online banking or simply your email, passwords offer instant access – convenient for you, but more convenient for the wrong person to access your accounts.

For many online programs and smartphone apps, they will have a minimum length requirement for your password. While this may make your password harder to remember, keep in mind that the longer your password, the more secure. Incorporating numbers into your password is also crucial – so long as they are numbers you can easily remember. It is best not to use your Social Security or cell phone number, as these are the first any wannabe hackers will guess. Capital letters can also ward off any identity thieves, as capital letters (as well as any possible symbols) can create complexity. Lastly, it is advisable not to use the same password for all your important programs and applications, as this will help to ensure that if one of your programs is compromised, they won’t all be.

By remembering these critical safety tips, your program passwords, and your programs, can remain safe and secure, providing you much needed peace of mind.

About the Author

Tyler Thurston is an e-newsletter editor for 1105 Media.

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