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Home   »   Security   »   How Secure is your Password?

How Secure is your Password?

  • Posted on:March 2, 2015
  • Posted in:Security, Social
  • Posted by:Rik Ferguson (VP, Security Research)
2

Every day it seems we need to create a new account online and with each new account comes the added risk of our personal information being stolen. Managing passwords to online accounts is not a simple matter. We could all use a little help.

Using a password manager like Trend Micro™ Password Manager to help you with this important task keeps it simple and secure.

Trend Micro Password Manager adds extra security by identifying weaker passwords, providing keystroke encryption to defend against keyloggers, and includes a secure web browser for financial transactions on the web. The best part is—you only have to remember one master password.

Seven Tips to Help Maintain Your Online Security

If you aren’t using a password manager yet, here are seven tips to help you maintain the security of your online accounts and to create stronger passwords until you make the switch:

1. Don’t log into any private accounts on public computers at libraries, hotels, or common work computers.

2. Remember to never store passwords in any web browser, even on your personal computer.

3. Use a different password for each website account you create.

  Don’t use common combinations like 1234, abcd, or password, or phrases such as Ilovemydog or simple names like Duke.

4. When creating a new password, make sure it has at least 12 characters, includes both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters like an ! or #. Even if the site does not require this, it’s always best to be on the safe side.

  Consider using a phrase or a lyric that’s easy to remember as a basis for creating passwords. An example if this could be a song lyric like: “I’m just a poor boy from a poor family” – or IjaPBfaPF.

5. When setting up security questions, don’t use common information that can be searched for online, like your mother’s maiden name, a previous address, or a phone number. Make sure those questions are something that only you would know the answer to.

  Remember the answers don’t have to be truthful, just memorable.

6. Even if you are doing all this, remember to change your passwords periodically.

  We recommend at least three times a year.

7. Use two-step authentication whenever possible.

     Having a simple text message sent to your cell phone whenever you log into an account on a new computer or when your password is changed will help with security and warn you whenever something has changed in your account.

By following these simple tips, your personal information and financial security will be better protected online.

But if all that seems like too much, try our simple password manager.

Watch the video: How Secure is Your Password?

Watch the video: Using Password Manager across All Your Devices

Please add your thoughts in the comments below or follow me on Twitter: @rik_ferguson.

Related posts:

  1. Better Change Your Facebook Password Now, and Make Sure It’s a Good One
  2. Are Your Passwords Secure Enough?
  3. Data breaches and password security: Our mission to keep you and your firm secure
  4. How Secure Is Your Password?

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