How to Choose a Secure Password

Nowadays, you need a password to do just about anything. Keeping track of all of your passwords can be difficult and there is a temptation to choose passwords which are easy to remember. Unfortunately, easy-to-remember passwords are not always secure. Because secure passwords are so important to keep your identity, finances and personal information safe, choose security above all else when choosing passwords.

Instructions

1. Select a combination of letters and numbers for a secure password. Using only numbers or only letters makes it more likely someone could guess your password. Also, because there are only ten numbers, you should use at least two numbers.

2. Use at least one special character in a password. Use a characters such as a dollar sign, a slash or the "at" symbol.

3. Pick random letters and numbers. Dictionary words are too easy to guess. Years are also easily guessed.

4. Make a different password for everything. There is a temptation to choose one good password and use it over and over. However, this is not secure because if someone gets your password for one thing they have your password for everything.

5. Change your passwords periodically. A good idea is to change your passwords once a year to keep them secure.

6. Keep a copy of your passwords in safe spot. Because secure passwords may be difficult to remember, you must keep a record of them. Keep a copy in a safe or safety deposit box so you'll have it as a reference.

Tips & Warnings

• The longer a password is, the more secure it will be.

• Avoid using personal information in passwords. The name of your dog may not be a dictionary word or even a common name, but it is linked to you which means it's not a secure password.