Password Protection Tips

As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals. One of the best ways to protect yourself, your devices, and your accounts is to exercise some simple password dos and don’ts.

Do:

  1. Use a password that contains uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Longer passwords tend to provide heightened security against various hacking methods.
  2. Consider using a password phrase instead of just a simple word. Example: TheRedSoxwonin2013&2018.
  3. Make your passwords difficult to guess by avoiding obvious choices such as the name of a family member, pet, birthday or a favorite hobby.
  4. Change your password regularly and make your new passwords significantly different from previous passwords.
  5. Consider enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds and extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t use a single word that can be found in a dictionary. Example: turtle, basketball, purple
  2. Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
  3. Don’t use popular keyboard combinations. Example: 123456, qwert, zxcvbn, !@#$%^
  4. Don’t write your password down where others can see or access it. If passwords become difficult to remember, try using a password manager (Dashlane, NordPass and RoboForm are a few reputable ones).