Security on The Internet - Starting with Your Password

It amazes me when I run into people who are distresses because their identity has either been compromised, or they have been the victims of phishing on any of their Internet accounts. I find out it was due to some troll who got a hold of their password. Most people would not hand a loaded gun to someone to point at themselves, so don't make your passwords so very easy to guess!

Password Study

In the above linked article from P.C. World, the list will be an eye opener for some. They give some good advice, but to it, on the list of what not to choose as a password, I respectfully add.

1. Your dog, cat or pet's name. You love them, leave it at that.
2. Your birthday, I know it is your day! Pass up these easy digits!
3, Your anniversary, Sorry ladies, it is not a good way to get your husbands to remember it.
4. Family names. Like your last name, with say the day you were born on. Bingo!
5. Do not reverse names or titles of offices. This is a great place to start for hackers after an organization.
6. Change it often. This is not ancient Rome people, we do not have to carved these into stone. It is okay to change, change is good and safe.

Make it hard, make it safe, and write it down in a little journal book. So you can refresh you memory if it has been awhile since you have signed on to a particular account, or for your family should you join a heavenly choir, and your executor needs the numbers to your Swiss Bank Accounts.

Good Luck. May the Force be with you....you are going to need it.