How to Set a Strong Password
To keep your computer secure, you have to master the art of setting a strong password. It is crucial to create an effectively safe one because the password acts as a barrier between your sensitive files and those pesky identity thieves. If you want to defend yourself against these cyber criminals, learn how to create a strong password. Here’s how:
Don’t reuse passwords.
If you have more than one main accounts, make sure that you don’t use the same password. Once a cyber thief penetrates in one of of them, you’ll be compromising all of your accounts.
Make sure you know what a strong password is.
Your password should have at least six characters with a flurry of different numbers, letters, symbols and upper and lower cases.
How to Choose a Good Password:
strong password
Choose a simple phrase that is around six to eight words. Make sure that it is easy to remember. E.g. I like to sing a song.
Write the words using symbols (e.g. are =r, you = u, two = 2) if they are homonyms for other letters.
E.g. I like 2 sing a song. .
Make an acronym. Just use the first letter of each word and remove the rest.
E.g. Il2sas
Capitalize some of the letters but make sure that it’s still easy to remember.
E.g. IL2sAs.
Put a punctuation mark or two to stretch your password to seven to eight characters.
E.g. IL2aAs?
Change your passwords every now and then.
You should change your passwords regularly. Try changing your password every two to three months or every import holiday so you will be able to remember.
Avoid creating bad passwords.
What’s the diffence between a bad password from a good one? A bad password can easily be guessed by anyone, wheter it is your friend, a stranger or even a computer system. Some of these include:
Birthdays
Dog’s name
License plate numbers
Names of loved ones or even pet names
Any other personal information
Make sure that the password you have created is cryptic enough to be guessable but easy to remember. If you are running out of ideas, you can use a song title, memorable quote or even a phrase, not closely related to you.
Keep your passwords safe.
Once you have created a strong password, make sure that it is safe. Here are some effective ways on how to keep them protected:
Don’t subscribe to any “remember my password” settings. Some web browsers offer automatic logins or “remember my password” settings. If you use this option, someone can instantly accesss your account.
Store your passwords only in your mind. Never attempt to write your password down or send it through email, even to your other account.
Don’t share your password with anyone. It’s not a good idea to share passwords, even to your friend If there is a need to share your password, make sure you change it as soon as possible.
Remember: The more obscure your password is, the harder it is to be cracked. Good luck!