Passwords Are the First Line of Defense

It amazes me how many people that use the internet aren’t worried about someone stealing their information.  Part of the lax attitudes comes because they don’t realize that someone would concern themselves with average ordinary people.  Part of it comes because they don’t understand how vulnerable they are.  The first line of defense is the passwords they use, and most passwords used today are as easy to crack as 1, 2, 3.

The key to a good password is to mix it up.  You need some capital letters, some numbers, and some symbols - if the site will allow symbols.  It is NOT a good idea to use your social security number or your birthday.  These can be easy numbers to find and they can lead to identity theft in the future.

The second idea to consider about a strong password is that it NOT be an actual word.  It is best to have a misspelling or even a made up word that others wouldn’t be able to figure out with ease.  If you aren’t a movie star or some other individual in the spot light, then odds are a difficult password will be enough to keep you safe from the hackers.

Some last ideas about passwords.  Keep a list of your passwords in a spot away from your computer.  If someone does steal your computer, they will still have the challenge of cracking your passwords.  It would also be a good idea to set new passwords every few months.

The password is your first line of defense against the bad guys.  Having a simple password is like living your home or car unlocked.  It is an invitation for trouble.