Ensure Safe Password Management

Internet Security and Password Management

If you use the internet with any frequency, chances are, you use a lot of sites that require passwords. How do you manage all of them? How can you be sure your passwords and personal information are safe?

Make forgettable passwords

If your passwords are all simple to make sure you don't forget them and if you use the same one for all your internet accounts, you're a prime target for hackers. Here are some tips and tricks to increase your internet security and help defend against password theft.

One of the best things to do, although it's not exactly convenient, is to create a different password for each of your online accounts. This will help because if someone gets into one of your accounts, your others will still be safe. It is especially important for websites that hold your vital information like bank accounts or credit card numbers.

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Changing Passwords at regular intervals

Also, don't forget to change your passwords at regular intervals. Generally, the recommended frequency is every sixty days or so. By doing this, you make it harder for hackers to get into your accounts.

Hard to crack

The above tips can help ensure your internet security. However, you also need to make sure that your passwords are hard to crack. Below are a few tips in deciding on what passwords to use.

Never use your B'day Please

First of all, never use your personal information. If a hacker has already gotten into your computer, he's got a head start in guessing your password with the information in the hard drive. Even a trustworthy person can get into your files easily if your password contains private information like birthdays or telephone numbers.

No real words

Strange as it may sound, avoid real words. Hackers have programs and methods that search every word in the dictionary, trying to find the correct one. If you must have actual words in your passwords, try interspersing them with various symbols and characters.

If you can't think of a good password, try to come up with a pass-phrase. Think of a line from your favorite song or movie. Then take the first letter of each word and create a password from that. Using techniques like this can often create an undefeatable barrier.

Use lower and uppercase as well as numbers and symbols

Use varying character types. When creating your password, it's a good idea to utilize both upper- and lowercase letters. It is also recommended for you to use numbers or even symbols like $ and *.

Password management tools

If you don't feel secure about making use of different passwords because you tend to be forgetful you can use one of the many password management tools available today. These are programs that keep track of your passwords and store them in a coded form. There are even some that automatically fill in your username and password. Although these can be very useful, some believe that it is still better to write down your passwords and store them in a secure area rather than storing them in digital space.

Hide and never give out your keys to strangers

Most people don't give their passwords more than a passing thought. However, if you remember that your password is literally the key to your computer, your business and your personal life, you should become very cautious about it. You wouldn't give your keys to a stranger in the real world, so be careful not to give your passwords (your keys to your virtual world) away either.

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