How savvy are you when it comes to creating a password?

Cracking passwords is a much bigger game than we realize. There are a multitude of common techniques that easily compromise the security of our online accounts. Simple and widely used passwords are at the center of the problem.

The IT company SplashData compiled the following list of the 25 most commonly stolen passwords of 2018. See any that look familiar? 

Maybe your password isn’t on the list above. Great, but it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. There are easy to use programs designed to crack your simple passwords. So, how can you boost your password security? Change the way you think about creating passwords.

Follow these 9 tips to create a better password:

1. Don’t use consecutive keyboard combinations like qwerty or asdfg.
2. Avoid the use of dictionary words, slang, common misspellings or words spelled backwards.
3. Steer clear of using your name, your loved ones names, or your pets names.
4. Don’t use special dates, favorite colors or songs either.
5. Go to the trouble to use different passwords for each of your accounts.
6. Create at least 8-10 character passwords with upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
7. Try using strong passwords that are easy to remember, but difficult to guess. example: Iam:)2b46! (10 characters – I am happy to be 46!)
8. Get creative with short codes or phrases. example: 2B-or-Not_2b
9. Many sites have an indicator showing password strength – utilize this tool.

Remember this: Your password is just as easily stolen as it is remembered.

sources: www.zywave.com; www.mcafee.com

Heidi Avery

Your super enthusiastic insurance-girl