Community Safety

Security Tips to Make Strong Passwords

Computer or laptop users are advised to change their passwords regularly to protect information on their emails from hackers.

A hacker is someone who gets into someone else’s computer without permission to access information and use it for criminal purposes.

The following are security tips to make a password strong:

Make your password strong

Usually hackers use multiple methods to try and get into your account/s. It is then important to make your password strong that means something to the user.

Make your password a no-sense word or phrase

Long passwords are good – long passwords that include random words and phrases that are better understood by the user. Do not use characters that are sequential on the keyboard.

Include numbers, symbols, upper and lower case letters

Randomly mix up symbols and numbers with letters 0 or @ for the letter at, for an example. If your password is a phrase, consider capitalising the first letter of each word making it easier to remember.

Avoid using obvious personal information

If there is information that can be easily discoverable such as your birthday, nickname, address, relative and high school, do not use them as your password. Make sure you answer security questions when changing your password so that you can be able to recover your password if you forget it.

Do not reuse passwords

As hackers usually do with email servers, compromised email addresses and passwords are often hacked online because if you use the same password throughout multiple accounts, the information can be easily used. Always change and use unique password.

Start using a password manager

Password managers are services that auto-generate and store strong passwords on your behalf. Many services are free to use and come with optional features.

Keep your password well hidden

Don’t give your password to anyone else. Never type in your password if you are within plain sight of people. Also don’t write your password on a sticky note and leave it on your table.

Change your passwords regularly

The more sensitive your information could be the more reason why you should change your password regularly. Always change your password every month.