Creating a Secure Password

A recent study by security.org found that nearly one-third of Americans have had their identity or online credentials stolen in the past year. Creating a secure password can help to ensure that your accounts are safe from hackers.

Try using these tips to create a secure password:

1.      Use a combination of upper and lower case letters

Space out your upper and lower case letters. It’s easier for hackers to guess if you are capitalizing just the first letter. Capitalize randomly to help make your password harder to guess.

2.      Use numbers but keep them spaced out

Don’t end your password in 12345 or include a year. Try to use numbers to replace letters such as the number 3 for the letter E.

3.      Ensure you are using multiple symbols

Most people stick to just adding an exclamation point to their end of the password. Try including two different symbols spaced throughout the password.

4.      Make your password at least 10 characters long

If you are including upper and lower case letters, a number, and a symbol, it is estimated to take 50 years to crack a 10 character password.

I know you’re asking – “but how will I remember a bunch of different passwords that are random letters, numbers, and symbols?”

My suggestion is to use a password manager – a program that can assist with storing and managing online credentials. There are a lot of great ones on the market! My personal favorite is LastPass.

You can get a free LastPass account to use personally or pay just $4 per user per month for a business account. LastPass will even help you generate these unique passwords to help ensure you are as secure as you can be!

w1sH!ng Y0u a $4f3 & S3cuRe N3w YE4r!

Brandy