| I am ashamed to admit it but I use the same | | | | hackers out of your online accounts (try using the |
| password for many of my online accounts. Using | | | | shift key to insert symbols) |
| the same password for access to online accounts | | | | 5. Keep a note of your usernames and |
| is a hacker's dream. A hacker only needs to get | | | | passwords. A diary or notebook is a handy place |
| into one of my accounts, find the password and | | | | to write down your online accounts access details. |
| hack all my other online accounts. But, how do | | | | Programs like excel can be useful for you to keep |
| you have a different password for each account? | | | | track of your passwords. Backing up your data is |
| I use the internet regularly and have plenty of | | | | also a good idea, as this means if you store your |
| online accounts, which only makes me more | | | | information on your computer, you can make a |
| vulnerable than someone with one or two. Here, I | | | | copy of the details in case of system failure. |
| outline some easy steps to avoid being hacked. | | | | 6. Keep your password to yourself; the fewer |
| 1. Passwords can contain characters, numbers and | | | | people who know your password, the better. |
| symbols. Longer passwords are safer. Each | | | | Every day more people are using the internet at |
| character or number is a barrier against being | | | | home. The convenience of being able to pay |
| hacked. So the longer your password is, the | | | | accounts and bills through online banking is |
| better. | | | | attractive. No more waiting in cues at the post |
| 2. Your password should not contain obvious | | | | office to pay monthly bills and waiting in lines at |
| dates, names and numbers. Being random is the | | | | bank branches to manage bank accounts. The |
| safest option. Don't use family names, pet's | | | | internet is a doorway for dubious and crooked |
| names, birth dates, ID numbers or other obvious | | | | behavior. Be on the lookout for internet-based |
| words. | | | | scams. Do not enter your username and |
| 3. Change your password regularly. The more | | | | password on a page that looks dodgy. Always |
| regularly you change your passwords, the easier | | | | open a new browser when dealing with your bank |
| it will be for you to get into this beneficial habit. | | | | online. |
| Try to change your passwords on a monthly | | | | Being alert and internet-safety aware will help you |
| basis. | | | | keep your online account dealings secure. |
| 4. To make it even harder for hackers, use | | | | Username and password information is much like |
| different usernames for each online account. | | | | your credit card or bank card secret pin: |
| Blocking entry for hackers will require a certain | | | | safeguard that information and protect your |
| amount of creativity on your part. Having an | | | | private online accounts. |
| unusual username and password will keep the | | | | |