Do's and Don'ts of Creating Safe Passwords

If a crook gets hold of your password, he can get access to your entire life. Although no password is completely safe, there are ways to create passwords that will be difficult to crack. Here are a few steps to take if you want to create a safer, more secure password.
Don't use discrete words. Crooks who try to break passwords will sometimes use programs that cycle through every word in the English language. Avoid whole words that can be found in a dictionary.

Don't use personal information. Avoid using anything personal about you that others would know in your password.

Do use both upper and lower case letters. Some password applications are case sensitive, so it's helpful to have a password that incorporates upper and lower case letters.

Don't write your passwords down. You never know who will see the list of passwords you keep in your desk.

Do change your passwords regularly. Once you have the perfect password, you'll have to change it. It's smart to change your password every six months.

Don't use the same password for everything. It's crucial to make sure you have as many passwords as you have sites that ask you to sign in.

A secure password consists of seven or more letters and symbols, at least one numeral, and include both upper and lowercase letters. Avoid obvious words and number combinations, and keep your password secret and out of sight. If you do, your password will be better able to protect your information.



About the Author
C Smith is sales director for http://www.on365.co.uk a UK based data center Management and Uninterruptible Power Supply Company. For more info on UPS services visit http://www.on365.co.uk/Products/UPS.aspx?categoryID=4