Many of us will want to keep things simple and try and stick to the same password for everything. Let’s face it, remembering different passwords for different accounts can be a bit tricky! But if you do that, your personal information is going to be less secure.
- Choose a passphrase rather than a password.
- Make your passphrase as long and as complex as possible.
- Include at least ten characters and include upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols (: ! ? @ # $ % ). For example, you could replace the letter ‘a’ with @ or an ‘s’ with $.
- Choose a different password for each account and/or device. If hackers break into one machine they will try and use the same password to take control of others.
- Remember to update your passwords regularly.
- Never give your password to anyone.
- Don’t respond to Facebook posts asking for the name of your dog, or your mother’s maiden name. These are potential hackers looking for clues to your passwords.
- And remember, you should never, ever write your passwords down. You can write clues or reminders that only you could know so they will jog your memory!
- You could also use a password manager such as Last Pass or Nord. These keep all your passwords in a secure location, and you only need one password or passphrase to access everything.