Today so many websites require that we sign up for an online account. There are some simple items that you can do to secure your passwords from getting into the wrong hands and protect your identity.
1. Password Management Program
As computer techs we have noticed a few bad habits that could potentially lead to identity theft if your passwords aren't secure. The first mistake is to use your internet browser to automatically store your passwords. This is because these browsers store your passwords in a clear text file that can easilly be cracked and opened if someone gets a hold of your computer. This includes viruses, and malware. Another common mistake is to store your passwords in a Microsoft Word document or simple text document. All of these methods leave you much to exposed. You need to start storing your passwords in an encrypted Password Manager. There are a lot of free programs out there that work great for this, keeping your passwords safe. They require that you create one Master password to open the database, and from there you can easily have the program copy / paste your account information in to the website your on.
There are two Free password management programs that Brew City PC recommends. Both are really easy to use, and you can rest easy that your passwords for banking, social websites, email and more are secure.
Recommendation #1: KeePass Password Safe
Download at: http://keepass.info/news/n090912_2.09.html
Recommendation #2: RoboForm
Download at: http://www.roboform.com/download.html
2. Choosing a Strong Password
In addition to having a password management program everyone needs to start using whats considered strong passwords. By strong we mean that they can not easily be guessed by someone or another computer quickly. Some simple guidelines to creating strong passwords are below.
- At least 7 characters in length
- Contains at least one or more capital letters
- Contains at least one or more lower case letters
- Contains at least one or more numbers or symbols like @#$%^!
- Does not contain your name or username in any way
- Does not include a common name
The last big security flaw many of us do is that we typically use the same password for multiple websites. The obviously issue with this is that if someone does get one of your passwords they can try common online accounts like many of use like Facebook, Twitter, gmail, etc. and find all your other accounts that you used that password with. When your using one of the Password Management programs mentioned above you no longer need to worry about memorizing all your passwords, so create many strong passwords, especially when dealing with your online banking.
Hopefully the tips above will help keep you safe from anyone other than yourself accessing your accounts.
