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