Your complex password on the web is the single most important thing you can do to protect your privacy and security on the web
You’re on the web so let’s keep you safe. The password you use is the first action you can take to help keep your accounts safe and secure. Passwords like “cowboys99” or something similar is just not safe. According to Microsoft, using a complex password on all your online accounts and on your business network will help to prevent you from being easily hacked.
We’ve all seen it. Have you received a friend request from somebody on Facebook or other social account that you thought was already a friend? Sure, you have. I see this every week. Having a complex password is your first line of defense on the internet. Use my personal set of rules to create your online passwords and you will be going a long way to protect your online accounts and your privacy.
To have a complex password, you need to follow this set of rules. These rules make things a little difficult for you – including remembering your password. I understand but please do this to help keep you safe online.
Passwords must meet these requirements from the following six categories:
- Your password must not contain a word
- Passwords must contain least 8 to 10 characters
- Passwords must contain lower case letters (a-z)
- Use at least one Uppercase letter (A-Z)
- Passwords must contain at least one number (0-9)
- Use a nonalphanumeric character: ~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\(){}[]:;”‘<>,.?/. At least one special character is good.
I know this makes things a little harder – especially remembering your password. But, do you want your account to be the next one to be hacked? No, you don’t. Go home, change your passwords and don’t wait. I don’t want to hear from you that your Facebook, bank account or other equally important account has been hacked. Does this guarantee that your password will not be hacked? No, but it helps – a lot.
Do you need help with this issue or any other computer or technical related issue? If so please call me. I can help. Cliff Shomette 903-268-0882, cliff@cliffshomette.com