Having strong yet easily memorized passwords is crucial to protecting your personal information on the internet or your computer. Most people use passwords for many day to day online activities - checking your e-mail, paying your bills, logging into your computer, or even logging into member only accounts online.
The best way to keep your password is to memorize them. Keeping them in your head, as opposed to on a document on your desktop or in a file on your email, will prevent anyone from ever hacking into them and being able to steal your identity and personal information.
Here are a couple of ideas to help you keep your passwords safe:
Step One
Try using an encrypted password manager, which helps you keep a multitude of passwords safe and secure. You only have to remember one password to get into the manager and then all others are available at your fingertips. Use a password manager as opposed to having one password for all your security needs because if a hacker manages to get a hold of that password, you will be risking a serious security hazard. Try free open source password software such as KeePass, Password Safe,
Step Two
Create a strong password that is evident and relevant only to you. Try using a short sentence such as “I have a dog named Fido” and then using the first letter of each of the words to create a unique password, Ihadnf. Then, add a symbol at the beginning of the word and a number at the end to complete your custom password.
Step Three
Many people advocate not writing down your password; however, I’d say don’t put your password into your computer. Then, its available for nearly any good hacker to find. I would write it down on a piece of paper and keep it with you on in an inconspicuous spot in your office for a few days until you’ve memorized it. Then, get rid of the paper.
Step Four
Avoid using words that can be found in the dictionary, regardless of if they are spelt normally or backwards, repeated characters such as 1111, or use of personal information such as birthdays, middle names, crushes, such as the infamous “ilovesoandso” password to which so many young girls are prone
Keeping your password safe is the first step towards having a safe online experience.