A popular security measure in the world of computers, is the use of a username and password combination. The idea is that if a user is able to type in the correct username and password, then they must be the user. For this reason, it is important to create a strong password, and to make sure that no one else knows or can guess your username and password combinations.
Username:
Many programs and websites use an email address as a username. In this context, the email address is simply an identifier, it is not necessarily a valid email address. This is important to note, because sometimes a person’s email address changes and the original email that has been used as a username, is no longer available to receive email. It is important if you change email addresses, to update your recovery information in all websites and programs. It is ok to continue to use the inactive email address as a username identifier. Generally, a username is not case sensitive, so all lower or upper case can be used.
Password:
The password is considered to be the private part of this pair, but in reality, it is both pieces together that provide the security.
To create a strong password is your first line of defense for your online accounts. The rules to create a strong password vary from program to program and website to website. In general, a secure password will contain upper and lower case letters, numbers, and possibly some special characters like *#$(?.
The safest practice is to have a different password for every website and every program.
Change these passwords every 30, 60 or 90 days. This is not very practical, but can be done, or at least approximated.
Storing passwords in a secure location so that you don’t need to remember them all. A written list of passwords is only as safe as where you keep it. A password is case sensitive, so it must be saved EXACTLY how it is to be entered.
Other password tips
- Use the strongest passwords for the websites/programs that have the most private data, such as your financial and medical information.
- Have at least a few different passwords. One for sites that don’t maintain any of your private information, like a newspaper website or a game website. Another one for your bank account.
- Generally, a website or program that allows purchases will have your payment information stored and should be considered private.
- If your laptop or desktop is very secure, saved passwords can be safe.
- Make sure that important websites are set up with a phone number and an email address that you have access to. A cell phone number is best. Otherwise resetting your password, if you forget it, may become impossible.
- Mix letters, numbers and special characters even if not all are required.
Stronger password examples:
$ratp8aWR
@ngrYBl@ckD0g
Weaker password examples:
62MainStreet
SallyMiller
12291945
If you want help with your passwords or a method for storing them, please give us a call and we will sit down with you and talk about the options.