Tip of the Month: Create Better Passwords

Think about how many online accounts you have. With so many accounts, it’s important to make sure they’re secure. Creating strong passwords is one of the best ways to protect your accounts from hackers. Here’s how you can create passwords that are hard to crack and keep all your online accounts safe.

Make Your Password Long and Complex

A strong password should be long and complex. Think of it as creating a secret code that only you know. Aim for passwords that are at least 12-16 characters long, using a mix of:

• Uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers (like 4, 7, or 9)
• Special symbols (like !, @, or #)

This combination makes your password much harder to guess or crack, as hackers use programs that try to figure out passwords quickly. A password like “Basketball123” is much easier to guess than something like “B@sk3tB@ll!9#4.” The second one is longer, has a variety of characters, and isn’t something easily associated with you.

Avoid Common Words and Personal Information

When you’re creating a password, try not to use words that are easy to guess, like “password” or “123456.” These are some of the first things hackers will try! Also, avoid adding personal details that others could know, like:

• Your name or initials
• Your birthday or year of birth
• Names of family members, pets, or favorite sports teams

Using common words or personal info makes it easier for hackers to figure out your password. Instead, try creating a random mix of characters, or use a passphrase, a sentence or a series of words only you would know. For example, instead of using “footballfan,” a passphrase could be “5FieldG0al$2T0uchd0wn.  It’s unique, memorable, and tricky for others to guess. 

Use a Unique Password for Every Account

Reusing the same password for multiple accounts might seem easier, but it's risky. If a hacker somehow gets access to one of your accounts, they can use the same password to try to log into your other accounts, too.

Instead, use a unique password for every account. Consider using a password manager if you’re worried about forgetting them all. Password managers are apps that securely store and organize your passwords, so you only need to remember one master password to access them. This makes it much easier to keep track of unique passwords without having to write them all down or remember each one individually.

Extra Tips for Password Safety

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step to log in, like a code sent to your phone.
• Update your passwords regularly, especially if you think any of your accounts might have been hacked.
• Never share your passwords with others. Even if you trust someone, keeping your passwords private is safer.

Why Passwords Matter

Creating a strong password might seem like a hassle, but think of it like locking the door to your house. Using a weak lock makes it easier for someone to break in. A strong password is akin to having a high-security lock protecting your front door.

For more info on securing your business, check out our blog.