Lifestyle

The Three Keys to a Great Password

A great password is often the only thing standing between you and identity theft. But what makes a password really secure? Turns out, there are some important guidelines to follow to keep information safe. Read on for three smart tips.1. Know the latest  security standards.The National Institute of Standards and Technology has established some new rules for setting more-secure passwords.MAKE YOUR PASSWORDS LONGER.Longer passwords are harder to decipher. Try using short phrases instead of just one word.AVOID PASSWORDS HINTS OR RESET QUESTIONS. Password hints aren’t all that effective and can actually make it easier to hack into your accounts.DON’T REPEAT THE SAME NUMBER OR LETTER.Something like “yessssss999” is much too easy for identity thieves to crack.DON’T USE COMMON IDENTIFIERS AS A PASSWORD.For example, if your name is Jane Smith and you’re setting up a Netflix account, don’t use “janesmith” or “Netflix” as your password.2.Don't use the same  password more than once. By using the same password on multiple services, you are potentially giving hackers access to every service where you're using that password. This is like having a single key that opens your house, your, car, and your bank's safety deposit box. If someone steals that key, they can access everything you own. Always create different keys, or passwords, for separate accounts.3. Make use of a  password manager. A password management tool is your greatest ally. These are  programs or apps that will create unique passwords on each of your accounts and store them all for you in a single, secure location, so you'll never lose them again. They can also sync with multiple devices and  auto-populate passwords whenever you need them, saving you a ton of time and trouble. The World Wide Web can be complicated,  but setting secure passwords doesn't have to be. With a bit of effort, you can use smart practices to help keep all your accounts safe and secure. SOURCE: The National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2019
 

Related Content

Split Annuity Strategy

Split Annuity Strategy

Here's one strategy that combines two different annuities to generate income and rebuild principal.

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

What Is a Roth 401(k)?

Roth 401(k) plans combine features of traditional 401(k) plans with those of a Roth IRA.

Social Security: The 64,000 Dollar Question

One of the most common questions people ask about Social Security is when they should start taking benefits.

View all articles

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Capital Gains Tax Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

View all calculators

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

View all presentations

Surprises

Making the most of surprises is a great reason to work with us.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

An Arm and a Leg

A visit to the hospital can be painful, for both your body and your wallet. Don’t let it be more painful than it has to be.

View all videos