I am ashamed to admit it but I use the same password for many of my online accounts. Using the same password for access to online accounts is a hacker's dream. A hacker only needs to get into one of my accounts, find the password and hack all my other online accounts. But, how do you have a different password for each account? I use the internet regularly and have plenty of online accounts, which only makes me more vulnerable than someone with one or two. Here, I outline some easy steps to avoid being hacked.
1. Passwords can contain characters, numbers and symbols. Longer passwords are safer. Each character or number is a barrier against being hacked. So the longer your password is, the better.
2. Your password should not contain obvious dates, names and numbers. Being random is the safest option. Don't use family names, pet's names, birth dates, ID numbers or other obvious words.
3. Change your password regularly. The more regularly you change your passwords, the easier it will be for you to get into this beneficial habit. Try to change your passwords on a monthly basis.
4. To make it even harder for hackers, use different usernames for each online account. Blocking entry for hackers will require a certain amount of creativity on your part. Having an unusual username and password will keep the hackers out of your online accounts (try using the shift key to insert symbols)
5. Keep a note of your usernames and passwords. A diary or notebook is a handy place to write down your online accounts access details. Programs like excel can be useful for you to keep track of your passwords. Backing up your data is also a good idea, as this means if you store your information on your computer, you can make a copy of the details in case of system failure.
6. Keep your password to yourself; the fewer people who know your password, the better.
Every day more people are using the internet at home. The convenience of being able to pay accounts and bills through online banking is attractive. No more waiting in cues at the post office to pay monthly bills and waiting in lines at bank branches to manage bank accounts. The internet is a doorway for dubious and crooked behavior. Be on the lookout for internet-based scams. Do not enter your username and password on a page that looks dodgy. Always open a new browser when dealing with your bank online.
Being alert and internet-safety aware will help you keep your online account dealings secure. Username and password information is much like your credit card or bank card secret pin: safeguard that information and protect your private online accounts.
References:
Password Safety
http://www.attackdenied.com/password_safety.htm
Password Safety and the Internet, How Safe is Yours?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/408286/password_safety_and_the_internet_how.html
Password safety
http://its.unc.edu/news/blog/2007/11/14/password-safety/
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