Passwords not strong enough?
If you bank or socialize online, or you prefer to shop using an online shopping profile with your preferred retailers, it’s pretty likely you need a password for each website or app you subscribe to.
Although most companies incorporate advanced security measures to help protect your personal information, there are steps you can take to further protect your information. (If any of your passwords resemble “password123,” you really need to read on.)
Think of a password that only you would know. For example, where was the imaginary place that you and your favourite stuffed animal would travel to when you were approximately 4-and-a-half years old?
Never use identifying details, such as your name, birthday, username or email address. These details make it easier for fraudsters to decode.
Longer passwords are stronger passwords. Maybe it’s the second-last sentence of the second-last page of your favourite book, a music lyric, or the fictional city in your favourite superhero movie.
Update your password regularly – every 6 to 12 months.
Your password should be long and complex and contain a mix of characters (like uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters).
When it comes to your passwords, the most trustworthy person is you. Don’t share them with anyone. And for added security, some websites or apps may allow you to opt in to multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of security. Basically, once you enter a valid username and password, you may receive a code by text or email that you must enter before gaining access to things like your email account or online banking.
Ready to take your online security to the next level? Learn about how to protect yourself against credit card fraud.